SC Villa faces a turbulent off season with a raft of players set to be free at the end of the 2016/17 season following expiry of their contracts.
Over seven players will be free by the start of the June window and shockingly, none has been approached for a contract renewal according to impeccable sources close to the club.
The club’s top marksman Emmanuel Okwi who signed a short time contract with the Villa Park side in January headlines the likely departures with reports already linking him with a move to his former Tanzanian club, Simba.
Others are team captain Taddeo Lwanga, the engine behind the club’s enterprising midfield this campaign, defender Henry Katongole who has been as colossus as a rock throughout the season and his partner Paul Mbowa.
The trio is joined by attacking midfielders Mike Ndera and Godfrey Lwesibawa; all signed by the club two seasons ago as well as Umar Kasumba.
“I haven’t been approached for a contract renewal so I am viewing options elsewhere,” one player who preferred anonymity revealed. “There are over 2-3 offers on the table and we are looking at the start of the window to weigh which is better for the boys,” his agent, who also works as the intermediary for three of the players added.
The Jogoos have enjoyed a promising but trophy less season and will be eager to keep the players who are the core of the team for the forthcoming season.
When contacted, club CEO Ivan Kakembo confirmed the status of players’ contracts but said they are ready for negotiations at the end of the season as they wanted not to disrupt players as the season went on.
We don’t want to disrupt league games, let’s finish games then we start contract negotiations.
SC Villa end their season with a home date against URA on Friday May 19, 2017 at Masaka Recreation Ground.