Uganda Cup: Byekwaso’s shot at redemption

SC Villa coach Morley Byekwaso. PHOTO/JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
Success in the tournament could salvage an otherwise lackluster campaign or, at the very least, delay the looming axe hanging over his tenure.
In a season where reigning StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa are watching their title defence crumble, sitting a distant eighth with 21 points from 15 matches - 13 points adrift of table-topping Vipers - coach Morley Byekwaso finds himself under mounting pressure.
However, the Stanbic Uganda Cup presents a glimmer of hope for Byekwaso, offering a chance to steer the club toward their coveted tenth Cup triumph.
Success in the tournament could salvage an otherwise lackluster campaign or, at the very least, delay the looming axe hanging over his tenure.
On Thursday day, SC Villa will face a daunting test as they visit Buganda Regional League side Seeta United at the Seeta Church of Uganda grounds for their postponed Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 64 clash.
New dawn
The Jogoos will be without the services of Hakim Kiwanuka, a linchpin in their attacking setup, whose departure to APR of Rwanda this month delivers a hefty blow to Byekwaso's tactical plans.
Kiwanuka’s absence only deepens the challenges for Byekwaso, who is under immense pressure to restore Villa’s glory amidst an underwhelming season, despite the club’s illustrious record of nine Uganda Cup titles.
Adding to the intrigue, Seeta United, buoyed by the inclusion of top-flight talents Freedom Munguti and Juma Ssajjabi under a dual licensing agreement with Lugazi FC, will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
With their hosts eager to punch above their weight, SC Villa must tread carefully—this encounter is anything but a walkover.
No tinkering
Byekwaso is unlikely to tinker with his squad selection for today’s clash, relying on his trusted stalwarts Patrick Kakande, Charles Lwanga, and skipper Ronald Ssekiganda, provided the latter makes a full recovery.
With Kiwanuka’s absence leaving a gaping void in the attack, Byekwaso must find swift alternatives, possibly turning to Peter Onzima or Reagan Mpande to fill the gap.
The Villa tactician, a revered figure during his playing days as an ambidextrous creative midfielder who clinched multiple diadems with the club, has the seasoned Peter Onen - another Villa old boy - as his deputy in this uphill battle to salvage a faltering season.
Byekwaso’s tenure has been marred by a recurring issue: his side’s alarming tendency to lose concentration in the second half, squandering leads due to questionable substitutions and players' complacency.
These frailties have left the fans disillusioned and up in arms, demanding immediate remedies.
As he faces a slippery Seeta United today, Byekwaso must address these tactical lapses decisively.
Beyond today’s game, the upcoming second round of the league will be a make-or-break stretch for the coach, who must deliver something tangible to stave off the mounting pressure.
Stanbic Uganda Cup
Round of 64 , Today, 3pm
Seeta United vs. SC Villa, Seeta C/U P/S Ground