Defending champions SC Villa return to Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku on Wednesday knowing their clash against NEC could have a decisive impact on the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League title race.
While Villa, currently sixth with 42 points, are out of contention for back-to-back championships, their influence on the title picture remains significant.
NEC sit four points behind table-toppers Vipers SC, and anything less than a win against Villa would likely extinguish their slim hopes of snatching the crown.
Vipers, who travel to Butema Royal Park to face Kitara FC in their penultimate fixture, will be keeping a close eye on proceedings in Wankulukuku.
A draw or defeat for NEC would give the Venoms a chance to all but seal the title heading into the final day.
The fixture carries echoes of last season’s dramatic finale, when SC Villa beat NEC 2–0 at Lugogo to clinch their first title in two decades, denying both BUL and Vipers in the process.
This time, Morley Byekwaso’s side are cast in the role of spoilers rather than contenders, but their past performances against NEC suggest they could influence the title race once again. Villa have won two of their previous three meetings with NEC.
With so much at stake, Wednesday’s encounter is far from routine.
For NEC, it is a must-win to stay alive in the race. For SC Villa, it’s an opportunity to shape the destiny of a championship they once fought tooth and nail to reclaim. And for Vipers, it could be the match that opens the door to another league triumph.
