Uganda premier league
Thursday, 4pm
Express vs SC Villa, Wankulukuku (Live)
Despite both teams being in the bottom half of the current StarTimes Uganda premier league standings, Express and SC Villa derby remains one of the most much anticipated hot clashes in local football. SC Villa are unimpressively 13th currently with 26 points after 25 games, six below their rivals that occupy 11th place with 32 points. Ahead of the tie this Thursday afternoon at Betway Muteesa II stadium in Wankulukuku, hosts Express, who have only conceded once at home under Coach George Ssemwogerere, will miss defender and captain Isaac Mutanga but John Revita, who will take up the armband is confident that they will perform to fans’ expectation. “This game is a hot derby. The rivalry between the two teams makes it a must watch no matter which position the teams occupy on table. As a team we are ready, although it will not be an easy task,” noted Revita. Despite an earlier set target of top-four finish as earmarked by club chairman Kiwanuka Kiryowa during the unveiling of Betway-Uganda as club shirt sponsors at the season start, Ssemwogerere says that his target right now is top eight finish in order to play the Pilsner super eight pre-season tournament. “We need to finish in the top eight to play in the Pilsner Super 8 tournament and help us shape for the new season. Our fans should be patient as we rebuild the team and they should support the players rather than abusing them. You can’t have wins every time,” urged the former Red Eagles captain. SC Villa meanwhile won the reverse fixture 2-0 at Namboole stadium courtesy of Bashir Mutanda brace. The Jogoos would want to grab the derby bragging rights with a double over their rivals. SC Villa will miss club top scorer (13 goals) Bashir Mutanda due to illness while first choice goal keeper Said Keni is injured. Skipper Ashraf Mandela however returns from suspension that saw him sit out his side’s 2-1 home win at Mbarara City last time out. The visitors will also welcome back Lincoln Mukisa and Derrick Ndahiro. “We are set and looking forward to three points. It is not an easy game but we have to take every game now like a final. We are in an undesirable position, we have to work hard and win such games. It is a defining moment f the season for us,” noted SC Villa coach Douglas Bamweyana, who faces former employers.
