The highly anticipated clash between SC Villa and Vipers SC continue to be the talk of town with fans eagerly looking forward to it.
The showdown is slated for today at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba and the result could have a huge bearing in as far as the title race is concerned. A win for Vipers will see them stretch the lead at the top, while a victory for the Jogoos will see them cut the gap at the top to just four.
Ahead of the game, Kawowo Sports’ Joel Muyita shares what he thinks can be the combined XI from the two teams.
Goalkeeper: Denis Kiggundu (Vipers)
With Alfred Mudekereza a huge doubt for today, Denis Kiggundu is the outright choice for Vipers in goal. Kiggundu has shown over the years that he has what it takes to be the number one choice goalkeeper for the Venoms, including that remarkable run at the end of last season.
I put him slightly ahead of Villa’s David Lukwago who has had a great season in his debut season in top-flight football.
Right back: David Owori (Villa)
There is no debate about this position. Owori is currently the best right back in the league, being reliable at both ends of the pitch.
The experienced defender-cum midfielder on top of his qualities as a player offers leadership.
Left back: Enock Luyima (Vipers)
He is a joy to watch. Calm and comfortable on the ball, he offers a good cross and still has raw energy given his age. You sometimes forget he has been able to dislodge a seasoned player like Derrick Ndahiro.
Villa’s Simon Kato Ssemayange has equally been solid at left back, but I will settle for Luyima in this combined XI.
Centre Back: Hillary Mukundane (Vipers)
Ridiculed by many for his style, where power and grit come ahead of flamboyance but it is hard to forego a willing fighter who will throw his body on the line to get you results.
Mukundane gets into my combined XI ahead of youngster Barasa Mangoli who, without a shade of doubt, is a good defender.
Centre Back: Kevin Da Sylva (Vipers)
He is arguably the best defender in the League at the moment. Da Slyva is a man who barely puts his foot wrong and offers both intelligence and grit.
Since joining Vipers at the start of the season, he has been a mainstay on the team, forming a great partnership with Mukundane.
Defensive Midfield: Diego Misi Ssemugera (Villa)
Not many would give Ssemugera plaudits but he is the person who gives Villa’s midfield shape and organization. He compensates the lack of pace for intelligence.
It is unfortunate that injuries has hampered his progress over the years.
Central Midfield: Enock Ssebagala (Vipers)
Industrious and offers both on the offensive and defensive ends. His dynamism has been key for Vipers this season, giving Abdu Karim Watambala room to play high up the pitch and perhaps that explains his numbers in terms of goals and assists.
Attacking Midfield: Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers)
One of the best, if not the best, player this season. There has never been doubt about his abilities but credit to Watambala for taking up more responsibilities this season, especially when Allan Okello left.
He is Vipers’ top scorer this season with nine goals, only two shy of the League top scorer Ivan Ahimbisibwe.
Watambala gets into my combined XI ahead of Aslam Ssemakula.
Centre Forward: Frank Ssebufu (Villa)
A tough choice to make between Ssebufu and Milton Karisa but I have settled for the former.
The lanky forward may not necessarily give you many goals but he is hard working, troubles defenders especially with his aerial prowess but also does well to put the wingers in play.
Karisa equally gives you that because he is a go getter and always works his socks off.
Right Wing: Arafat Usama Kizza (Vipers)
Eight goals to his name this season and several assists, Usama has made the right wing his own, and he is always causing trouble for defenders.
Hassan Mubiru, who plays the same position at SC Villa, has equally been good but I will settle for Usama.
Left Wing: Patrick Jonah Kakande (Villa)
He gets the node ahead of Chukwuma Odili because of his trickery and ability to beat defenders in close spaces.
On his day, Kakande can dribble past any defender in the League. What he perhaps should improve on is his final product.
Coach: Kovacevic Zeljko ( Villa)
Good selection per position