After a two-month break, which paved way for The Cranes to prepare and compete in the Africa Cup of Nations, the Azam-sponsored Uganda Premier League (UPL) resumes tomorrow with seven matches on the menu.
Defending champions KCCA FC, top challengers SC Villa, Vipers SC and Express FC will all be in action, reports JOHN VIANNEY NSIMBE.
The return of striker Emmanuel Okwi to SC Villa has stirred excitement at Villa Park. Although this was after Okwi had his contract with Danish top-flight side, SonderjyskE terminated, which is an indictment on the player’s part. But the Jogoos feel he will be a big boost to their league title ambitions.
Villa has not won the league since 2004 despite several failed attempts that have involved many major signings down the years. But the storming finish they had to the first round of this season, has made them believe that they can unsettle their archrivals KCCA FC, and wrestle the championship away.
After training on Saturday, coach Shafiq Bisaso said the arrival of Okwi was going to add experience and firepower to his attack. Considering that they were the league’s top-scorers with 28 goals, one more than KCCA, Bisaso insists that the ability of Okwi is undoubted.
Bisaso added that Okwi may not have succeeded in Europe, but the kind of tutelage he has had there can transform Villa’s fortunes. Okwi will be making his third Villa debut if he is selected to face Bright Stars tomorrow.
His first was in the 2007/2008 season although he made his mark in the 2008/2009 term in which he emerged Villa’s top scorer with 17 goals.
However, Okwi is not the only new addition to Villa ranks expected to make significant change to the team. After seasons grappling with the goalkeeping department, Villa has added Burundi international Mark Arakaza, arguably one of the best shot-stoppers in East Africa. Former number one, Yasin Mugabi, has been loaned to Police FC.
Villa has also released Brazilian Thiago Alves, Fawdi Ndayisenga, Jerome Sina and Mike Sserumaga. Sserumaga has joined Vipers. Coach Richard Wasswa expects him to bring experience in the league and on the continent to Vipers.
But Sserumaga’s recent showings at Villa and Lweza, mean Vipers may have more to deal with his attitude than form. For KCCA manager Mike Mutebi, the mid-season transfer window has provided platform to graduate youth from their reserve and academy side.
Mutebi says there is no value for money in the market and has opted for the likes of young Allan Okello, dubbed the next Jackson Mayanja, from the club’s youth team.
However, critics argue that relying on youngsters could cost KCCA the title.But Mutebi’s assistant Badru Kaddu reasoned the spine of the team has been maintained and they expect to remain competitive despite losing six players in recent transfers.
Similarly, Express coach Matia Lule has been clearing the dead wood during the two-month break. His ambition now is to build a fresh young side. He has recruited heavily from the schools and lower leagues, insisting that Express has recycled a lot but reaped little.
Uganda Premier League
Tuesday@4pm:
KCCA v Bul, Lugogo
Bright Stars v SC Villa, Mwererwe
Vipers v Lweza, Namboole
Express v The Saints, Wankulukuku
Police v Sadolin, Nakivubo
URA v Hippos, Lugazi
Kirinya v Soana, Njeru
jovi@observer.ug