Chance to fire early warning

Kampala

Today at 4pm
Villa v URA
Simba v F. Masters
Express v Victors
Bunna v KCC
Gulu v Proline
Masaka v Police

It’s early days in the Uganda Super League but title contenders wouldn’t want to squander easy points against direct opposition or dark horses mainly for the psychological detriment. On a bumper evening, SC Villa hosting URA at Namboole is as big an attraction as KCC’s visiting Nakivubo to face champions Bunnamwaya. Many URA players must bite the hand that once fed them. Goalkeeper Robert Odongkara, defender Simeon Masaba, midfielders Dan Wagaluka, Oscar Agaba, Moses Feni, Steven Bengo and Augustine Nsumba plus strikers Ismail Kigozi and Henry Kisekka left Villa in a massive exodus spanning the last three years.

Coach Alex Isabirye disclosed that Kisekka and Sam Mubiru are missing through injury as Nsumba’s form is set to keep Bengo on the bench. “Too many rats is no guarantee to dig a deep hole,” an idiomatic Isabirye said citing the need to make all his stars blend first and fast. His counterpart Sula Kato wasn’t too worried by the dour goalless draw with Proline on Tuesday. “My players are new but I think we started well and will get better,” Kato said as returning veteran Hakim Magumba was left out.

Striker Bernard Mwalala looked unfit, Simeon Sserunkuma played well in flashes while Muwadda Mawejje and Isaac Muleme threatened to carry the record champions. At Nakivubo, Mike Sserumaga could make his Bunnamwaya bow as they seek to stretch their perfect start following Tony Odur’s winner against Masaka last week. Elsewhere, Police travel to Masaka, Simba host Fire Masters in Bombo, Express entertain Victors while Proline visit Gulu.