It was not until midway of the second round in the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League (UPL) season that SC Villa won its first away game during that campaign.
Actually it happened in March, when they beat a hapless Soltilo Bright Stars team 3-1, while on its way to being relegated to the Fufa Big League. Not being competitive enough on the road dented Villa’s title defence.
Yet, Villa have started the 2025/26 season better, with one away win in the two already played. The win, a 3-0 scoreline was over Buhimba Saints at Royal Park, Butema, in Hoima, while their only defeat was a 1-2 loss to KCCA FC at Namboole, which was technically hosted by the 2019 league champions.
On Wednesday, Villa won 1-0 against UPDF FC in Bombo courtesy of Ibrahim Kasinde’s goal, a place they did not win at last season, but have in recent years. However, on Saturday, November 29, they have the daunting task of travelling to the St Mary’s stadium in Kitende to face their bitter rivals, Vipers SC.
The Jogoos have not won on this ground since January 2020. In both the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons, Villa beat Vipers in Kitende, something they were doing for the first time since that stadium was opened in February 2017.
It felt good for Villa, who had for many years been dominated there by Vipers. Yet, because of the technical challenges that Villa has had to weather during that time, they have struggled in Kitende.
Even last season, when Villa took the lead, Vipers were able to fight from behind and win 2-1. But since the hiring of new coach Zeljko Kovacevic, the Jogoos have been impressive this season especially through their hi-octane pressing football.
They are now on a four game winning streak, which includes a 2-1 victory over last season’s league runners-up, NEC FC. Villa look a good bet, having scored 10 goals and conceded five in six games.
On the other hand, Vipers have only played three league games, and won them all. They have scored four and conceded one. Vipers boast of a strong defence. Belgian coach Ivan Minnaert is clearly organizing them well at the back. But Villa’s speedy attackers in the shape of Ibrahim Kasinde and Hassan Mubiru look fired up.
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