- Uganda Premier League (Match Day 13):
- Masavu Vs Sports Club Villa Jogoo
- Fisheries Training Institute play ground, Bugonga (Entebbe) – 4:30 p.m
As Sports Club Villa Jogoo takes on the league debutants, Masavu at the lake side Fisheries Training Institute in Bugonga on Tuesday, the two sides will be vying for different ambitions.
Whereas SC Villa look to consolidate their top spot slot at the summit of the league, Masavu has contrasting thoughts altogether – how to skip the relegation parameters.
On the same wavelength though, Masavu eyes their second home win, SC Villa looks forward for the second victory on the road.
Masavu’s recent 1-0 home result to visiting BUL might have given them the confidence and impetus, as a way of securing the crucial home run as reflected in the words of coach Alex Gitta in the aftermath of the game.
“We have worked for this victory. We needed it to keep momentum and build confidence as well” Gitta said then.
His opposite number at Villa, Wasswa Bbosa is equally disturbed by the little knowledge of how Masavu is assembled, their playing style vis-a-vis strong and weak points.
“We do not know how Masavu plays. This worries us a lot. Nevertheless, we shall approach the game in a professional way and work hard to win away like we did in Jinja against BUL” Bbosa attested.
Missing players:
Masavu will miss the services of goalkeeper Mansoor Kiggundu (out with accumulated cautions), Eddie Kawooya (tied because of loan arrangement) as well as the injured duo of striker Joseph Nkabirwa and hard working midfielder Nickodemus ‘Mande’ Ikesit.
The Jogoos on the other hand pray that left back John Adriko and Simon Sserunkuma recover from their nagging ankle injuries well in time for the match.
Key battles:
Sports Club Villa has a solid defence line well marshaled by captain Bernard Muwanga, Henry Katongole, Ibrahim Katongole, Joseph Nsubuga and Musa Mukasa.
Any of the five players could be used for the game as Samson Kirya maintains his slot in goal.
Against tricky players as Charles Odeke, captain Abraham Ndugwa, Ddumba Sadala, Ivan Lubaale and Fred Umony, the visiting defenders will face a torrid evening at office.
The midfield is well matched as both sides have passers and play spoilers.
Nicholas Kasozi, Abel Eturude, Allan Kyambadde will surely come face to face with Masavu’s Veron Ddamba and the hard tackling Sulaiman Muttah.
The Jogoos also have fast paced and tricky wingers as Martin Kizza, Vitalis Tabu and Godfrey Lwesibawa.
The visitors’ attack has been inconsistent but the good news is that George Senkaaba, Alex ‘Benzema’ Kitata and Yubu Bogere have at least found the back of the net this season.
They face a back line that let in goals at ease. On a good day however, Nakawuka based Brian Nsubuga, former Villa servant Sulaiman Ochero, veteran left back Sande Mukiibi, Sulaiman Kiggundu and Ibrahim Mpengere could look unbeatable.
With Masavu goalie Mutumba out, the mantle will head to Ali Kiggundu as starter with trainer cum third choice goalkeeper Hussein Mulawa graduating to second slot for the time being.
If fielded, Masavu’s Ochero and Lawrence Bakiranze will face the club that they once played for.
SC Villa leads the 16 team log with 25 points, two better of second placed Police and three ahead of KCCA.
Masavu is 15th with just 11 points earned in 12 games.
