Reigning Uganda Premier league champions Vipers SC will host record winners SC Villa in an early season title test under the floodlights of St.Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
This is undoubtedly the standout fixture of match day four of the 2023/24 campaign.
Vipers beat SC Villa to the league title on the final day of last season.
SC Villa’s Serbian tactician Dusan Stojanovic will be aiming for his first victory against Vipers, one that will enhance seriously the title prospects of his Jogoo side and fortify their belief.
Both sides have a chance to make a statement in the title race.
TEAM NEWS
The Venoms will be without long-term absentees Allan Okello, Ghananian striker Fumador Asiwome and Hillary Mukundane. Goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza is the other long-term victim for Vipers SC.
New signing Erick Kenzo Kambale is fit to make his debut for the Kitende based side.
SC Villa on the other hand will definitely be without Tabu Oryem and Denis Ojara with the duo currently in the rehabilitation phase. Left back Joseph Kafumbe also remains on the sidelines while custodian Meddie Kibirige will not face his former paymasters due to malaria. Hakim Kiwanuka is the other player sidelined for this fixture.
The Jogoos will however welcome back Charles Lwanga after missing the previous two games through injury. Edward Masembe is also in contention.
LAST TIME OUT
The Venoms played out to a goalless stalemate against Mbarara City in their last league game, whilst SC Villa secured a comfortable 3-0 home victory over debutants NEC.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Vipers prevailed 2-0 when the two sides last met at Kitende last year.
Villa however won their most recently meeting 1-0 at Wankulukuku in April this year.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: William Oloya
1st assistant: Isa Masembe
2nd assistant: Dick Okello
Fourth official: Shamirah Nabadda
Assessor: Ali Tomusange
General Coordinator: Jean Sseninde
HEAD TO HEAD
In their most recently six meetings, the Venoms have managed three wins, drawn twice with SC Villa winning once.
