StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Vipers SC Vs SC Villa
St Mary’s stadium | 4:00pm


Vipers Sports Club is looking to maintain their unbeaten run since the start of this season when they face a challenge in the visit of Uganda’s Premier League record champions SC Villa tomorrow.

The Venoms are enjoying a good run of form with two wins out of two during the second round as victories over Kirinya Jinja SSS FC and Nyamityobora FC have seen encouraging signs in the crucial part of the season which determines the league winners.

Focused: The Venoms going through their paces ahead of tomorrow’s epic clash against rivals SC Villa.

Individually and on paper, it looks a one sided affair tilted in Vipers favour due to the gulf in performances of both clubs however big name teams irrespective of their form, always rise up to the occasion when least expected.

Ball Skills: Steven Mukwala (L) and Brian Nkuubi keep their eyes on the ball as they work on their respective ball possession skills.

The Opposition:

Having overhauled the playing staff by bringing in 13 new faces, SC Villa as a team is yet to stabilise however they come into this game on a high after squeezing a 1-1 draw against Bright Stars FC on Wednesday.

They kicked off the second round with a 1-0 loss to URA FC and have picked one point out of the possible six thus they arrive desperately looking for a win as their relegation battle intensifies hence are bound to be a dangerous outfit.

The Jogoos as they are popularly known, are lying in 12th position on the league log with 15 points from the 17 matches just 3 points above the relegation zone therefore will be fighting for own survival.

On a negative point of view to the visitors though an advantage to us, they might play without their fans who resolved to boycott this epic clash as the rivalry between the two giants continues to gather momentum each passing year.

Last meeting at Kitende: Vipers 1-0 SC Villa

The corresponding fixture at St Mary’s stadium ended 1-0 in Vipers favour through a well taken free kick from Tom Masiko to settle a nail biting encounter which later witnessed ugly scenes as Villa fans vandalised property at the stadium in protest of Referee Alex Muhabi’s decisions.

Daily Routine: Innocent Wafula (L) and U-19 left back Aziz Kayondo work in tandem partnership in preparation of the epic clash against SC Villa at St. Mary’s Stadium tomorrow.

Head to Head:

There will certainly be no love lost as the two rivals face off and a hostile atmosphere is expected out of this fixture but statistically, Vipers start as favourites having prevailed over their counterparts 12 times out of 27 meetings with 10 draws and only 5 losses.

The Venoms have scored 36 goals against Villa’s 28 during the previous meetings which is a collection of 46 points out of the possible 81 points.

Dribbling Drills: Tom Masiko (L) and Tito Okello go through their paces as they work on their dribbling in the final third at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende

Team News:

Bashir Asiku returned to full training following an injury layoff however this encounter comes too early for him hence is ruled out so is Ibrahim Kiyemba who is suspended.

However, new signing Abdul Karim Nizigiyimana might make his debut if selected after issuance of the international transfer certificate enabled his registration on deadline day.

Form:

Vipers: Last 5 league matches

  • Beat Nyamityobora FC 1-0
  • Won 1-0 against Kirinya Jinja SSS FC
  • Drew 1-1 with Mbarara City FC
  • Drew 1-1 against URA FC
  • Beat Onduparaka FC 3-0

SC Villa: Last 5 league matches

  • Drew 1-1 against Bright Stars FC
  • Lost 1-0 to URA FC
  • Drew 2-2 with Police FC
  • Lost 1-0 to BUL FC
  • Drew 0-0 with Paidha Black Angels FC

What Coach Micheal Nam Ouma Says:

“SC Villa is a good team with a rich history in Ugandan football and we respect them but we are also ready for them. They have the capacity to weather the storm but the Venoms are prepared and ready to fight for the much needed points”