Villa-Express sponsorships reignite past rivalry

KAMPALA.

In a period spanning just over a decade during the mid-1980’s-90’s, arguably the peak of club football in the country, SC Villa and Express commanded some of the biggest support in domestic football.

The clubs consequently attracted sponsorships with Villa setting the trend by partnering with the then giant petroleum company Agip in 1985 as they won five straight league titles thereafter.

Express followed suit eight years later for their association with another Esso (Gapco) another petroleum company that intensified the competition not only between the two teams but also the rivalry between the two companies.

The sponsorship also coincided with the club’s most successful period as they claimed the league in 1993, 1995 and 1996 for three of their six titles to-date.

While the fans have greatly reduced over the years, yesterday’s official unveiling of pay-tv company DSTV. Express is bound to re-ignite the rivalry after the two parties announced a shs300m package over the course of this season.

*Battle shift from petroleum to pay-tv companies*

The company joins competitors Startimes who last year announced a five year sponsorship deal with SC Villa worth shs260m every season.

Ahead of the two teams’ first meeting of the season at Namboole tomorrow, the record sixteen-time league champions yesterday also unveiled new partners D9 Entrepreneurs Club.

At a function held at the company’s offices the sports trading company will take over match-day expenses for tomorrow’s game.

Villa are currently third on 18 points from nine games while Express sit seventh on the 16 team log having played a game more.