SC Villa host Kitara in Uganda Premier League final rematch on opening day

SC Villa will host Kitara at Mutesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku as the Uganda Premier League begins with a repeat of last season’s Uganda Cup final. The 17-time champions and Kitara occupy 11th and 12th place respectively, with both teams on zero points after zero matches.

Kitara won the cup final 2-1 at the Fufa Technical Centre in Njeru in May, giving the Royals an important recent victory over Villa. The teams also met in the Fufa Super 8, where Villa advanced on penalties after a goalless draw.

Their rivalry also featured in the league’s opening round in 2023. Kitara won that match with a stoppage-time goal from Kabon Living, who has since returned to the club. Living is again part of the Kitara squad, alongside Patrick Kaddu and Jimmy Kalema, while Patrick Kakande, Frank Ssebuufu and Simon Ssemayange are expected to carry much of Villa’s attacking responsibility.

Villa’s recent form includes three wins, a draw and a defeat. They beat UPDF 2-1, NEC 4-1 and Mbarara City 3-1, drew 0-0 with BUL and then lost 0-2 to Kitara. Kitara’s sequence has been less consistent, with a 2-2 draw against Police, a 1-1 draw with BUL, defeats by Express and NEC, and a 2-0 win over Villa.

Villa coach Wasswa Bbosa has treated the pre-season as a period for identifying and correcting mistakes rather than as a measure of his team’s league readiness. His side will be without former Kitara midfielder Najib Yiga and vice-captain Aslam Ssemakula because of injury concerns.

Kitara have no reported absentees and will also face several players who previously represented Villa: Meddie Kibirige, Nicholas Kasozi, Emmanuel Wasswa, Isa Lumu, George Ssenkaaba and Martin Kizza. The match will also serve as preparation for Kitara’s CAF Confederation Cup tie against Mogadishu City.