The second round of the Uganda Premier League gets underway today, with defending champions SC Villa making a trip to Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium to take on relegation-threatened Wakiso Giants.
Both teams had a disappointing first half of the season and will be desperate for a strong restart.
Villa’s title defense has been far from convincing, as they finished the first round in eighth place with just 20 points, trailing leaders Vipers by a massive 14.
Their struggles were summed up by a 1-0 loss to Kitara in their final match before the mid-season break, and they now face the challenge of climbing back into contention.
The Jogoos have seen some key changes in their squad, notably the departure of winger Hakim Kiwanuka to Rwandan side APR.
They also parted ways with Edward Masembe and Peter Onzima, but reinforcements have come in the form of experienced winger Sula Matovu Malouda and midfielder Ashraf Mulindi from Bright Stars.
Wakiso Giants, on the other hand, are battling to stay afloat after a poor first round left them third from the bottom with just 12 points.
Their form has been worrying, closing the first phase of the season with a miserable 12-game winless streak, including a humiliating 6-1 loss to today’s opponents.
Coach Steven Bengo, in his first full season in charge, is under immense pressure to turn things around.
Making things worse for the former Uganda Cranes player, the Giants will be without key players such as Alex Komakech, Tom Masiko, Abdul Ssemakula and Vincent Zziwa, who are all sidelined due to injuries.
However, Wakiso has strengthened their squad, bringing in veteran midfielder Moses Oloya, Fazil Tumwine from Vipers and Godfrey Omoki and this could prove vital.
SC Villa has dominated this fixture in recent seasons, winning the last four meetings since suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Wakiso Giants in 2022.
The first-round encounter earlier this season ended in a crushing 6-1 victory for Villa. In the 2023/24 campaign, the Jogoos won both legs, edging a 3-2 thriller at home before securing a narrow 1-0 victory away.
During the 2022/23 season, Villa triumphed 3-1 in Wakiso, though they had lost 2-1 in the first leg.
With both teams having plenty to prove, this game presents an opportunity to reset their respective campaigns.
Villa will aim to launch a much-needed resurgence, while Wakiso Giants are desperate to climb out of the relegation zone.
