Derby day as Villa host KCCA

New sensations. KCCA’s Patrick Kaddu and Villa’s Ayub Bogere (L) will be the men to watch in today’s Azam Uganda Premier League derby at Masaka Recreation Ground. Photos by Eddie Chicco
& BRIAN MUGENYI

What you need to know:

  • Soccer. SC Villa will be hungry to beat KCCA for the first time since 2012 in a grudge Azam Uganda Premier League tie

Kampala.

The last time SC Villa defeated KCCA in a league fixture, Express went on to win the league title in 2012.
In the ensuing period, KCCA has gone on to win four league titles and accumulate a total of 12 and close in on SC Villa’s record tally of 16. That could perhaps explain the increased animosity shown by Villa towards their rivals in a situation that was aggravated by the last meeting between the two teams.
Villa fans protested the alleged failure of centre referee Brian Nsubuga Miiro to spot two handballs in the box that could have seen them awarded two penalties in a game that ended in a one-all draw.
That April result ended any mathematical chance Villa had of winning the title that KCCA sealed a few weeks later. That was cue for the Villa fans to steal the referees’ belongings from the dressing rooms as they threatened violence.

Similar atmosphere
A similar atmosphere is thus expected when the two teams meet today at Masaka Recreation Ground.
“We are working hard not to put up a mediocre performance on Saturday, we have the ability to play for a result and get it,” KCCA forward Paul Mucureezi was quoted on the club website this week.
In fifth position with 10 points, unbeaten KCCA hold a one-point advantage over their rivals, who were also docked two points following fans violence in a 1-0 defeat at Vipers.
Villa goalkeeper Samson Kirya is expected to return to the starting lineup having missed the last two games as punishment for his mischief in the Vipers game.
Upfront Ayub Bogere, who has scored two of the team’s six goals, could partner Alex Kitata for the first time this season with the latter having seemingly regained the trust of coach Wasswa Bbosa.
Kitata scored a brace in a 2-0 win over a Masaka Select side to sum up the positive mood in the side after their delayed salaries were paid this week.

Today at Masaka Recreation Ground

SC Villa vs. KCCA FC, Masaka Recreation Ground (4pm, Live Azam TV)