By Denis West
The end is near but it is getting harder to predict the winner of this season’s Uganda Premier League title. SC Villa, that had two points deducted from them at the start of the season for violence, is still firmly leading the table with 46 points from 22 games. That is an unassailable four points ahead of second placed Vipers (with one game in hand) and six points better that third placed KCCA (with two games in hand).
I can’t hold it anymore but to give you a snapshot of the remaining key encounters that will go all way in determining the winner of the prized asset.
Vipers vs KCCA, April 27, 2018
Mike Mutebi and his KCCA boys have never played a game at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende since its grand opening in February 2017. Now they have to win the determinant tie at the venue they have no clue about and will have to face one of their former marquee players in Tom Masiko.
Vipers’ cathedral has twice been ‘raped’ by URA and Paidha Black Angels which will give KCCA faint hope that a win at St Mary’s is very much possible. Vipers head coach Miguel Da Costa, who has gratifyingly turned around the team’s fortunes in the second round, has vengeance to make for KCCA’s 3-1 humiliation at Lugogo in the first round. Mark the date because the blockbuster tie is just around the corner and it promises to be one laden with fireworks.
Onduparaka vs KCCA, April 17, 2018
If Villa did it, KCCA believe they can also ‘did it’ (pun intended). KCCA will trek hundreds of miles to Arua with stronger belief that they can beat Onduparaka at the Betway Green Light Stadium just like Villa did recently.
Wait a minute; Onduparaka has responded to that agonizing loss by emphatically winning two back to back league matches and play like a rejuvenated side. Under the new stewardship of coach Simeon Masaba, Onduparaka pass the ball better than they did under Livingstone Mbabazi which makes the KCCA match a must watch cracker. KCCA, that was beaten 2-1 the last time they visited Green Light, know pretty well that losing to Onduparaka will be suicidal on the day fellow title contenders Villa and Vipers will be tussling it out at Masaka Recreation Grounds.
Villa vs Vipers, April 17, 2018
Villa has not lost at Masaka since last season when they made the switch from Namboole Stadium and beat Vipers at the same ground last season. A match expected to be full of nerves and egos, may be decided by the approaches by coaches choose to take.
The odds will surely be on Villa to win it taking into consideration they painfully lost 1-0 at Kitende and remembering the chaotic and points, goals deduction that followed.
Jinja SSS vs Vipers, May 12, 2018
Only KCCA and Soana have won at Bugembe stadium against an on-fire Kirinya Jinja SSS. Vipers, who have had terrible times in Jinja in the past, will dare take on the Students in hope of a win but many bettors and pundits predict a draw.
Luckily for the Venoms, like it was in their earlier win over Jinja SSS at St Mary’s Stadium, their on-loan players Musa Esenu and Bashir Mutanda will be tied to face them but then again, head coach Charles Ayeiko has numerous options.
Vipers vs Express, May 19, 2018
It was postponed a week ago which gave both teams a temporarily sigh of relief. Vipers need the win to stay in title contention while Express desperately want the three points in their fight for safety.
The game will come towards the end of the league season which ultimately makes it a must-win for both sides to achieve their goals. Yet it may come when Express’ relegation survival hopes or Vipers title dreams have already been dashed rendering it a routine.
Express vs KCCA, May 1, 2018
For the past two seasons, KCCA have secured the league crown in games against Express – and ironically at Wankulukuku. The script may change this time around with Vipers and Villa not giving up the chase like in those aforementioned seasons. Express must win all their remaining matches to stay up and that means beating KCCA which is a tough call – at least on paper. This will be a game that will have the Red Eagles’ perceived ‘redeemer’ George Best Nsimbe trying all his magic tricks to get one over his former employers and parent club KCCA.
Express vs Villa, May 11, 2018
Ugandan football rivalry doesn’t get any better than Express vs Villa. Regardless of form or league position, this rivalry is always one to behold. Wankulukuku tends to turn into a battle arena whenever these two historical giants collide and you can smell that happening on May 11. Villa, coached by former Express player and coach Wasswa Bbosa, drew first blood in Masaka and will be aiming for a double. For an Express fan, it will be pleasant enough to be relegated but avoid surrendering nemesis Villa six points and a chance to celebrate at their fortress. Need I add more? Be there and witness the eruption first hand.
