SC Villa warn Vipers they will not cede in UPL clash

Back In The Mix. SC Villa midfielder Albert Mugisha (C) is back from injury in time for the Vipers clash. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

A Vipers victory at SC Villa tonight would see the Venoms go level on points with the Jogoos in the Uganda Premier League (SUPL). That is what Villa are determined to avoid. “It feels good (being among the top) and we want to stay there,” Villa coach Edward Kaziba told Daily Monitor.

Villa first went top of the standings after they were awarded three points and as many goals following Proline’s failure to honour a fixture against them.

But Bul pulled them down yesterday after the Jinja side’s 2-0 win over Maroons. “We have no injuries and the boys are determined,” added Kaziba, “I have not watched Vipers play this season, yet, but I know they are a good team with good players.

“Our strategy is to attack and defend well. There is nothing extraordinary about Vipers. All teams are almost the same, so we shall focus on what we can do best.”

Villa’s only defeat of the season remains the 1-0 loss to newcomers Kyetume on the opening day.
Kaziba’s men have since beaten Mbarara City, earned points off Proline, drawn with Police and edged Express.

They are second on 10 points, three ahead of Vipers in sixth.

Venoms defiant
On their part, coach Edward Golola’s side started the campaign with a narrow win over Bul before thrashing Bright Stars.

With two of their scheduled games in between postponed, the Venoms came up against Mbarara and rammed right into them – that scuffle ending 2-2. “We put the past game (against Mbarara) behind us and worked on the areas that were wanting,” said Golola.

“We are set for the clash on Wednesday and the boys are aware and keen to dig out maximum points.

“This is a new campaign, a lot has changed, we are not going to dwell so much on the past result.

“Instead we intend to approach every game seriously and playing under flood lights will not be an excuse.”

Both teams traded blows over the two legs last season, each winning 3-1. Villa boast of a clean bill of health coming into this.
Ambrose Kirya, Bashir Mutanda, Albert Mugisa and Emmanuel Kalyowa could be the spark Villa will need against Vipers.

Vipers could welcome goalkeeper Fabien Mutombora after he recovered from fever that saw him miss the clash against Mbarara.

Innocent Wafula and Geoffrey Wasswa, who could make his first appearance in nine months after undergoing a knee also surgery, return.