SC Villa host Vipers SC in a high-stakes Uganda Premier League fixture at FUFA Stadium Kadiba, with the title race firmly in focus.
Vipers arrive top of the table with 51 points from 22 matches, while Villa sit fourth on 44, leaving the hosts needing victory to keep their title hopes alive.
Villa head into the contest on the back of a 1-0 win over KCCA, with Hassan Mubiru scoring the decisive goal. Vipers, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw by Kitara FC in their last outing at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Team selection could prove decisive. Villa are expected to be without defender Raymond Barasa Mangoli, who was forced off in the win over KCCA. Vipers may again be without goalkeeper Alfred Mudekereza, who has been sidelined since their Uganda Cup quarter-final against NEC FC.
Villa’s attacking threat will centre on Patrick Jonah Kakande, Hassan Mubiru and leading scorer Patrick Ssebuufu. Vipers will look to Abdul Karim Watambala, Usama Arafat and captain Milton Karisa to deliver.
The last meeting between the sides ended 1-1 at Kitende, with Ssebuufu scoring for Villa and Usama replying for Vipers. Historically, this will be their 28th meeting, with Vipers holding the edge on 11 wins to Villa’s six, while 10 matches have ended in draws.
Villa carry strong home form into the fixture, unbeaten at Kadiba since May 2025, a run that includes nine wins and three draws. Vipers, however, are unbeaten on the pitch since May last year, their only setback coming via a boardroom decision earlier this season.
Villa winger Najib Yiga said: “We thank God for our last game, where we secured all three points. We’re ready for tomorrow. We know they are a big team, but we are also a big team, so it will be a clash of titans. We really need the points to close the gap on the leaders.”
Head coach Zeljko Kovacevic added: “We need to win to get closer to the top position, so it’s going to be a difficult game. The boys are ready, and playing on our home ground, we hope for a better result.”
For Villa, the fixture presents a chance to close the gap and reassert their title credentials. For Vipers, it is an opportunity to tighten their grip at the top.
