Why Vipers vs KCCA is now the biggest game in the country

It’s only a few days till the major showdown between reigning champions Vipers and KCCA at St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende on Friday, March 15, 2024.

However, the great question has been, ‘What is the biggest game in the country?’ Historians consider SC Villa against Express to be the country’s most intense rivalry, although this has changed over the last decade.

The Vipers-KCCA rivalry has been on the rise for the past decade. Since the 2012-13 season, the two teams have shared nine league titles.

To be specific, Vipers have won five league titles, KCCA has won four, and only Express has managed to enter the trophy conversation on the two teams’ tables.

Kawowo Sports spoke to four sports journalists who have covered the league for a respectable time as they shared their thoughts on why the Vipers-KCCA tie is the biggest game in the land.

Elvis Senono – National Media

Senono agreed that the tie is currently the biggest game in the country due to the trophies that the two teams have accumulated in recent years.

“Yes in terms of trophies you can agree that it’s now the biggest game in the country but when it comes to the issue of fans I still think Express and Villa stand way above,” he said.

“However still, Vipers looking to be running away from the comparison since KCCA has taken a long without winning a league trophy,” he added.

“Then you cannot ignore the financial muscle that the two sides have showcased because they have made the biggest transfers in recent years something that was known for Villa and Express.”

• Senono’s Prediction: Vipers 2-2 KCCA

Becky Cynthia Nakimera – Vision Group

Nakimera says that the challenges faced by Villa and Express teams in recent years have surely changed tables giving leeway to the Vipers-KCCA game to top the charts.

“Surely back then Villa-Express was without a doubt the biggest game in the country. But a lot has changed and now you must give credit to what Vipers and KCCA are doing to compete year in and year out,” she said.

“Looking in the early years, the game between Villa and Express would freeze business in the town throughout the week which differs from the current times when the vibe has been watered down from either camp,” she added.

“Then also, the two teams (Vipers and KCCA) have done a lot to attract a youthful fan base. This has been reached through winning trophies in recent days and also having a social media presence, unlike the other two older clubs. In a nutshell, currently, Vipers vs KCCA is the biggest game,” she concluded.

• Nakimera’s Prediction: Vipers 1-1 KCCA

Ishmael Kiyonga – Kawowo Sports

Kiyonga was not fully in agreement revealing Villa-Express is the country’s biggest game due to the history that the two sides hold.

“Traditionally, Villa-Express remains the biggest game in the country despite the challenges faced by the two clubs in the past years. However, the Vipers-KCCA clash is getting up there due to the success they have recently collected,” he said.

“The unfortunate bit is that this season it (Vipers-KCCA) hardly lives to the billing since the two sides are far apart. Going into Friday’s game you must expect a tight game stemming from the growing rivalry,” he added.

“I think Vipers have a big chance because KCCA has never won at Kitende but also KCCA will miss the services of their star man Muhammad Shaban (accumulation of bookings) as well as Usama Arafat (currently with the national team) who have been instrumental upfront,” he concluded.

• Kiyonga’s Prediction: Vipers 1-0 KCCA or Vipers 2-1 KCCA

Peace Diane Bagala – CBS FM and BBS TV

Bagala also agreed that this game is the biggest in the country, she went on to credit the administration of the two sides for putting in a lot to see that they compete at the highest level.

“Yes, I agree it’s currently the biggest game in the country because of the competition they have exhibited in recent years. When you look at the players they possess they always put together the country’s best,” he said.

“If am not mistaken, looking at the last 10 years only the Covid-19 league went to Express the other leagues have been shared amongst the two clubs. I credit them for what they have put in to see that they give us great competition and also represent the country at the continent,” she added.

“The two teams have also produced the biggest exports in the recent years. Each season they release a player and I think this has greatly contributed to their financial muscle.”

Following 23 meetings between the two teams since the 2012–13 season, Vipers have won nine of those meetings, while KCCA has won seven and drawn as many.