Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-08 17:24:29
The clash between SC Villa and Express is known to be one of the most intense rivalries in Ugandan football. Despite the absence of key players and the departure of the Red Eagles coach, Alex Isabirye, the excitement surrounding their upcoming match at Wankulukuku Stadium remains high.
The match, often referred to as the ‘Wankulukuku derby’, holds more than just local pride at stake, as both teams are battling for positions in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table. Newly appointed Express boss Baker Mbowa will be looking for a turnaround in form for his team, currently sitting in eighth place with 29 points from 19 matches.
On the other hand, SC Villa’s Serbian coach Dusan Stojanovic is under pressure to secure a win to keep up with league leaders Kitara and end the club’s 20-year wait for a league title. With a victory in the first round fixture in December 2023, SC Villa is currently in fifth place with 30 points from 17 matches.
SC Villa will be aiming to climb up the table and overtake Vipers in third place with a win over Express, but they will have to do so without several key players. The absence of Patrick Kakande, Cyrus Kibande, Abasi Kyeyune, and Hakim Mutebi, who are all away with the national team, poses a challenge for Stojanovic.
Despite the depleted squad, Stojanovic will look to captain Kenneth Ssemakula and Edward Masembe to anchor the defense, while Charles Lwanga and Hakim Kiwanuka will be relied upon for goals in the absence of Kakande. The team will also miss the services of suspended defenders Arnold Odong and Gavin Kizito as they face Express and their top scorer Isaac Wagoina.
The rivalry between SC Villa and Express goes beyond form, injuries, or positions on the table. It is fueled by a deep desire to uphold pride and tradition, making every encounter between the two teams highly anticipated and fiercely competitive.
For Express, Mbowa has a challenging task ahead as he looks to improve player welfare, increase goal-scoring options, and establish a distinct playing style for the team. With only 10 matches remaining in the season, he must find a way to turn the tide against their rivals and end the losing streak that has plagued the team.
As the two historic clubs prepare to face off once again, fans can expect a fiercely contested match filled with passion and intensity as both teams look to claim victory in the age-old rivalry.
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