Uganda Premier League
Express vs SC Villa
Muteesa II stadium, Wankulukuku
Friday 6th March 2016
A decade or two ago, clashes between Express and Sports club Villa were title deciders when the two sides were at their peak.
The targets have changed over the years and the adrenaline, anticipation and hype grossly reduced.
Ahead of the clash between the two sides in the Kampala derby this Friday, the two sides despite enjoying a good spell of form, seem to have different ambitions
With the title out of Express’ reach, the only cause for a fight in tomorrow’s game will entirely be about pride. On the other hand SC Villa are in pursuit of the first league title since 2012 and currently sit top of the table.
Besides, the other point of attention will be Wasswa Bossa, the head coach of SC Villa who returns to Wankulukuku for the first time since leaving the club in October last year.
Bossa was at Express for over three seasons and never lost a game against SC Villa at Wankulukuku in his tenure. The only would be loss in the 2013/14 season a game that prematurely ended following stadium violence and Villa were awarded three points in the boardroom.
Team news
Express FC
Head coach Matia Lule believes the encounter is like any other game and expects to put up a great performance.
“It is a normal game to me. We are just ready and the players are highly motivated,” he said.
Team captain Saddam Juma has been ruled out of the game after sustaining an injury in the final training on Thursday but Noah Ssemakula returns and he will be available for selection.
SC Villa
Wasswa Bossa indicates he is not under any pressure and the focus for him is to make sure he collects maximum points.
“There is no pressure on me or the team. Of course there is the talk of me going back to a team I coached but that is not a concern to me. The focus at the moment is to keep winning to stay in the title race,” Bossa said.
Influential forward Emma Okwi who has scored eight goals as many games has failed to recover in time from the arm injury he sustained in the 1-0 win against BUL.
Alex Kitata will also not be available with reports indicating he has protested to play until the money he demands is paid.
The first leg meeting between the two sides ended in a 3-2 win for SC Villa at Namboole.
SC Villa top the table on 47 points while Express are 6th on 33points.