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The Jogoos Ready to Reclaim Stardom at the Vipers’ Den

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SC Villa travel to St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, this Saturday to take on Vipers SC in a blockbuster Uganda Premier League encounter. While the Venoms have dominated recent seasons with four league titles in the last six campaigns, the spotlight now shines on a resurgent SC Villa side riding an incredible wave of momentum.


Under the stewardship of Serbian tactician Željko Kovačević, the Jogoos have undergone a remarkable transformation. Their disciplined, possession-based, high-intensity style of play has not only delivered results but also restored belief. Villa remain unbeaten in the early stages of the season, sitting proudly at the summit of the table and sending a strong message about their ambitions for a long-awaited 18th league crown.

Reagan Mpande during training


Saturday’s clash is far more than a battle for three points. It is a defining test of Villa’s title credentials against a club widely regarded as the modern standard-bearer of Ugandan football. Recent narrow but crucial victories — a 1-0 win over UPDF and a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against NEC FC — have further strengthened the team’s confidence, built on both collective resilience and moments of individual brilliance.

Najib Yiga in Action against UPDF


At the heart of Villa’s revival is the influential return of midfielder Najib Yiga. The elegant playmaker has quickly rediscovered both form and fitness since rejoining the Jogoos, adding creativity, leadership, and goals to the side. Fully aware of the magnitude of the Kitende test, Yiga remains confident in Villa’s mission.

“When you play for SC Villa, every match is a fight for the badge, but Vipers at Kitende is always special,” Yiga said ahead of the clash.
“We respect them, but we do not fear them. We are not going there to participate — we are going there to prove that the journey to our 18th title has truly begun. The team spirit is high, and we are ready to give everything for our fans.”



Head-to-Head and Current Form


SC Villa enter the encounter on a thrilling run of five consecutive league victories, a streak that Vipers will be eager to halt. Recent history between the two sides underlines just how evenly matched this rivalry remains: in their last six league meetings, both teams have recorded two wins each, alongside two draws.


With momentum firmly on their side, the Jogoos arrive in Kitende focused on nothing less than maximum points — a result that would further solidify their grip at the top of the table and reinforce their growing title ambition.

SC VILLA EDGES UPDF FC TO ASCEND TO LEAGUE SUMMIT

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The Jogoos maintained their stellar run of form, securing a narrow but vital 1-0 victory against UPDF FC at the Bombo Military Barracks Ground on Tuesday. The hard-fought win marked Villa’s fifth consecutive triumph and propelled them to the summit of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table for the first time this season.

Team Talk in Bombo

First Half Action

The match began with both teams keen to establish dominance. In the 8th minute, an early opportunity arose for Villa when Diego Semugera was just a moment too late to connect with a free-kick delivered by Hassan Mubiru. Two minutes later, Reagan Mpande briefly had the ball in the net, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside.

Diego Semugera in Action at Bombo

​Possession remained evenly balanced through the mid-half, with both sides cautious in their approach. Simon Semayange produced Villa’s first notable shot on target in the 22nd minute, but UPDF goalkeeper Kimera was alert and punched it away. Despite four minutes of added time, the first half ended goalless, reflecting the lack of clear-cut chances from either side.

Second Half and Decisive Goal

The start of the second half saw a continuation of the tense, tight contest. The deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute by Ibrahim Kasinde. The winger,  found the back of the net with a calm, well-placed shot to register the only goal of the game and give the Jogoos the crucial lead.

Kasinde celebrating his goal.

​Before the goal, Villa had made strategic substitutions on the hour mark, bringing on Patrick Jonah Kakande and Ali Bayo for Hassan Mubiru and Najib Yiga, respectively, to inject fresh energy into the attack.

​Following the goal, Reagan Mpande tested Kimera again in the 67th minute, but the keeper saved the shot. Mpande was later replaced by Frank Sebuufu in the 69th minute. Villa was forced to make another change in the 75th minute when Elvis Ngonde came on for the injured Simon Semayange.

The Jogoos successfully navigated the final minutes, holding on to their lead to take all three points at the final whistle. The win took the Jogoos top of the table with Fifteen points.

Kasinde was the star of the Day

Star of the Match Reaction

​Winger Ibrahim Kasinde, whose solitary goal proved to be the match-winner, was named the Star of the Match.

​”I am glad to have opened my account in the Uganda Premier League as a Jogoo. This is one of the many to come, I believe. I thank the team for working as one to pick the points on the road and maintain our run intact. We head home and focus shifts to the next game.”

Upcoming Fixture

​SC Villa faces a stern test in their next outing as they make a short trip to St. Mary’s Kitende to face rivals Vipers SC this Saturday, November 29th, 2025.

MATCH PREVIEW: JOGOOS ON A SHORT TRIP TO BOMBO.

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Jogoos starting Xi for the previous game

Zeljko Kovacevic’s SC Villa side travels to face UPDF FC as the Jogoos look to extend their remarkable unbeaten run, which has stood firm since their opening-day defeat to KCCA FC. A victory in Bombo would propel Villa above both Police and KCCA, sending them to the top of the league table—a testament to the high stakes attached to this fixture.


The attacking unit, revitalized under Kovacevic, has been instrumental in Villa’s resurgence. The quartet of Hassan Mubiru, Najib Yiga, Aslam Semakula, and Frank Sebuufu has consistently delivered goals, creativity, and attacking flair.

HeadCoach -Zeljko Kovacevic



Team News


The Jogoos welcome back midfielder Reagan Mpande, who returns to the squad after national team duty in the previous fixture. Charles Lwanga remains a doubt as he awaits a late fitness test to determine his availability.

Teenage defender Barasa Mangoli misses out due to academic commitments, while left-back Mangeni Marrickzedch and defender Odong Arnold continue their rehabilitation as they recover from respective injuries.

Defender Barasa Raymon



A LOOK AT THE OPPONENT


UPDF FC has endured a challenging start to the campaign, hovering just a point above the relegation zone. However, their confidence received a timely boost after a crucial away win against Calvary, ending their run of defeats. With experienced figures such as former SC Villa captain Bernard Muwanga marshalling the defense, the Army side will hope to use their physicality and discipline to contain the high-flying visitors.

Head-to-Head


Overall, the historical record tilts in favor of SC Villa, who have claimed 8 wins compared to UPDF’s 5 in their last 16 league encounters, with 3 ending in stalemates.
But the Bombo Military Barracks is a unique challenge. In eight league meetings at this venue, both teams have secured three wins each, with the ground proving to be a true equalizer. Villa will also be mindful of last season’s defeat here—a result they are eager to avenge.

Match Verdict


SC Villa enters the contest as the clear favorite, buoyed by excellent form and the incentive of potentially going top of the table. Yet Bombo has never been an easy hunting ground, and UPDF—fighting to escape the lower reaches of the standings—will be highly motivated. A competitive encounter is expected, but the Jogoos’ current attacking momentum gives them a strong edge heading into this matchup.

Ssebuufu Header Seals Victory as Jogoos Edge Kitara FC

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The Jogoos extended their unbeaten run to three matches with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Kitara FC in an entertaining encounter at home.

The team Line up on the day


From the onset, the hosts showed intent and dominance. In the 8th minute, they launched a series of early attacks, pressing Kitara deep into their own half. Three minutes later, Najib Yiga forced goalkeeper Kibirige Meddie into a fine save, punching the ball away for a corner.


By the 16th minute, the Jogoos continued to threaten, with Reagan Mpande firing just inches wide of the left post. Despite their attacking momentum, the first half ended goalless, with both sides unable to find the breakthrough.

Aslam Semakula in Action


After the restart, David Owori went close in the 52nd minute, but his shot flew wide. Six minutes later, head coach made an early change as Frank Ssebuufu replaced Ibrahim Kasinde to add fresh energy to the attack.


In the 62nd minute, Aslam Semakula was fouled at the edge of the box, earning the Jogoos a promising free kick, but the effort was blocked by Kitara’s defence.

Celebration for Sebuufu’s header


The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute when substitute Frank Ssebuufu rose highest to head home a fine cross from Najib Yiga, giving the Jogoos a deserved lead.


As the match wore on, Patrick Jonah Kakande and Elvis Ngonde came on for Reagan Mpande and Najib Yiga, while late substitutions saw Aslam Semakula and Mubiru Hassan make way for Gaganga Geoffrey and Otim Jerome in the 83rd minute.


The Jogoos held firm in the closing stages to secure all three points, with Ssebuufu’s goal proving to be the difference.

Frank Ssebuufu was the day’s man of the match


Speaking after the game, the match-winner expressed his delight:

“I was happy to score my first league goal for the Jogoos. This motivates me to work even harder and keep contributing to the team. We worked as a unit to get this win, and now our focus shifts to the next game.”



The result lifted the Jogoos’ to the third place on the log and they preparedness to host NEC FC on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

The Jogoos Shine in Hoima with a Dominant Away Victory

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The Jogoos delivered an exciting and dominant performance in their second away game of the season in Hoima on Friday evening, scoring three goals and taking all three points on the road.

The day’s starting Line Up.


Match Summary


Just two minutes into the game, Reagan Mpande—the “mixologist”—opened the scoring with a delightful chip, marking his first goal of the season.

Kasinde, Mpande & Semugera celebrate first goal.

The Jogoos showed clear attacking intent from the start, pressing high and creating early chances.In the 10th minute, Diego Semugera came close to doubling the lead, but his effort sailed inches over the crossbar. Five minutes later, Aslam Ssemakula struck from long range following a corner, extending the Jogoos’ lead.

Aslam Semakula was also on the scoresheet


The visitors continued to pile on the pressure and looked more dangerous with every attack. In the 38th minute, Mpande nearly added another, heading just wide after a tapout by Buhimba’s goalkeeper. The Jogoos went into the break with a comfortable lead.


Second Half:


At the restart, Bayo Ali replaced Najib Yiga to add fresh energy to the attack. Ibrahim Kasinde worked tirelessly down the left flank, creating constant problems for the hosts.

Kasinde in Action


In the 62nd minute, Mubiru Hassan went close, his shot narrowly missing the target. Just three minutes later, Reagan Mpande struck again—his second goal of the match—after a brilliant assist from Kasinde, sealing his brace.


Substitutions followed as Andrew Otim and Gagganga Geoffrey came on for Mpande and Aslam Ssemakula respectively in the 68th minute. Later, in the 80th minute, Otim Jerome made his debut, replacing Kasinde, while defender Kibande Cyrus came on for Mubiru Hassan.


Goalkeeper Lukwago David was booked late on for time wasting, and three minutes were added at the end of regulation time.

Reagan Mpande



Man of the Match – Reagan Mpande:


I’m happy to have scored a brace today and opened my league account this season. This performance motivates me to keep pushing forward. It was a great fight by the team to secure a win on the road.


The Jogoos will next host Kitara FC on Friday , 7th November, at FUFA Stadium – Kadiba, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM.

MATCH REPORT: Jogoos Battle to a Hard-Fought 1–1 Draw at Kadiba

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The day’s Starting Line Up vs Entebbe UPPC FC

The Jogoos put up a determined performance at Kadiba, coming from behind to earn a deserved 1–1 draw in an entertaining encounter.

The match kicked off at a lively tempo, with both sides fighting to control possession in the opening minutes. The Jogoos looked sharp in attack, keeping the visitors under constant pressure and showing great composure on the ball.

Hassan Mubiru takes on UPPC FC player.



In the 8th minute, Hassan Mubiru was brought down right at the edge of the penalty area, winning a promising free kick. David Owori stepped up to take it, but his effort was deflected out for a corner. From the ensuing set piece, Frank Sebuufu’s header flew just wide of the upright.

The hosts kept pushing forward, and in the 25th minute, Owori once again delivered a teasing cross that found Mubiru, whose header missed the target by inches. Despite their dominance, the Jogoos found themselves trailing in the 28th minute when the visitors broke the deadlock with a swift counterattack to make it 1–0. (Scored by Fazil Tumwine for UPPC FC)

The Left back Simon Semayange on Duty

Simon Semayange was booked in the 38th minute for a tough tackle as the Jogoos fought to regain control. The half ended with the hosts trailing by a goal despite creating the better chances.

After the break, the Jogoos made several substitutions to add fresh energy to the attack. In the 58th minute, debutant Geoffrey Gagganga replaced Aslam Semakula, while Charles Lwanga came on for Ibrahim Kasinde. Elvis Ngonde and Andrew Otim were also introduced later in the half to bolster the team’s attacking options.

Geoffrey Gagganga made his Uganda Premier League debut for the Jogoos on the Day.


The changes immediately lifted the tempo, with the Jogoos pinning their opponents back. Their persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Andrew Otim met Najib Yiga’s perfectly weighted free kick with a powerful header to level the score at 1–1, sending the home supporters into celebration.

The Jogoos nearly stole all three points in stoppage time. In the 90+1 minute, Yiga found himself through on goal after a clever cutback from Lwanga, but his shot was brilliantly blocked by goalkeeper Omedwa.

Andrew Otim scored the leveller for the Jogoos.



After the final whistle, forward Andrew Otim shared his thoughts on the result, saying:


“We played to our best but luck wasn’t on our side. We took the ball to them; however, we couldn’t capitalise on the chances that we created. We head back home to work on the errors and prepare for the best in our next fixture.”
It was a hard-fought draw for the Jogoos, who showed resilience and attacking flair throughout the match. With such commitment and teamwork, they will look to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures.

The Jogoos will host Police FC at FUFA STADIUM Kadiba on Friday 24th October 2025