The SC Villa vs Express clash is arguably the biggest and oldest football rivalry in the country, pitting two teams that not only battle for glory on the pitch but also bragging rights on who owns Kampala city.
Since the 1980s, this is a derby that continues to put fans from either side on tenterhooks and like many rivalries across the World, form, squad depth come secondary and what matters most is sheer character.
Ahead of today’s encounter at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, Kawowo Sports’ Joel Muyita picks what he thinks would be a combined XI between the two teams.
NB: Some of the players have been left out either due to form or ruled out due to injuries.
Goalkeeper: Mathias Kigonya (Express)
SC Villa’s David Lukwago had a wonderful debut season with the Jogoos and arguably the best goalkeeper last season but for purposes of experience, command and leadership, I would choose Mathias Kigonya ahead of him.
Kigonya is a travelled player, with stints in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe where he has amassed a lot of experience and in a seemingly new Express squad, he offers leadership and organization at the back.
His ability to build from the back is second to none in the League but also beats Lukwago on picking out crosses which has been a big challenge for the latter.
Right-back: Arnold Odong (SC Villa)
Naturally a centre back, Odong equally offers leadership and has the ability to slot into the right back position. Following the demise of David Owori, the gangly defender has been reinstated as the club captain.
Having spent most of last season as a fringe player especially due to injuries, Odong has worked his way back into the starting team and has so far played well alongside Andrew Okumu.
Left-back: Simon Kato Ssemayange (SC Villa)
A tough choice to make given the ability that Express’ new recruit Shafik Batambuze has but I have opted to go for Ssemayange.
Resolute in defending, relentless in attack, Ssemayange gives you a good balance on both ends of the pitch. He is a willing runner and throws in a tackle where need be.
Centre Back: Andy Kyambadde (Express)
A livid example that size doesn’t entirely matter for you to be a good defender. Andy Kyambadde is a blend of both grit and smart. He reads the game well, has the ability to play from the back and can choose to go physical if the situation demands so. I would easily relate him to what Lisandro Martinez plays for Manchester United and Argentina.
Centre Back: Raymond Barasa Mangoli (SC Villa)
Still young and has room for improvement but what he has demonstrated so far at SC Villa is enough to know his abilities and qualities as a defender.
Barasa alongside Godfrey Lubangkene formed a solid partnership last season and the former has since been summoned to the U20 National Team squad.
Defensive Midfield: Steven Mugisha (SC Villa)
A new addition to the SC Villa squad and perhaps a perfect replacement for Minsi Ssemugera who joined Kitara but Mugisha is perfectly settling in well in what is his debut season in top flight football.
With more games in his legs, he could become one of the best buys across the League this season.
Central Midfield: Isa Glory Kisule (Express)
I would have gone for either Aslam Ssemakula or Najib Yiga but both haven’t played a game this season due to injuries. Therefore, I have chosen Kisule because he is a relentless worker, gives the team the drive and a water carrier to that effect.
In the game against KCCA, Kisule was dominant and suffocated the midfield trio of Brian Jjara, Yunus Sibira and Saidi Mayanja.
Attacking Midfield: Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)
He perhaps thrives better in a free role or as a number ten but for purposes of accommodating him in the lineup, I have chosen Kakande as the attacking midfielder.
Whereas he didn’t impress much last season, his abilities are well documented and can wreak havoc to any defence in the League either by shooting at goal or creating a scoring opportunity for his teammates.
Centre Forward: Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa)
Not a forward that is going to get you so many goals but his overall performance in terms of hold-up play and creating spaces for his teammates is unrivaled.
Ssebufu is a menace to defenders given his height and aerial presence. His mobility also pulls defenders from their positions thus creating avenues for his teammates.
Right Forward: Isaac Wagoina (Express)
Often thrives as the target man but because we have Ssebufu on the team, Isaac Wagoina can easily shift to the right and still be useful to the team.
Actually even when he is played as the target man, he often drifts to the wings to get involved in the game.
Left Wing: Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
He looks revived and back to his best this season, unlike last season where he went off the boil.
Mpande possesses the ability to dribble past defenders, put in a well weighted cross or shoot from distance. His only undoing over the years has been decision making but he would get into this combined XI ahead of the other wingers at Express.
