Kovacevic breaks silence on Matovu red card, Kakande fitness and Villa’s resilience after Vipers draw

SC Villa head coach Zeljko Kovacevic has offered a detailed assessment of his side’s 1–1 stalemate with Vipers SC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, touching on the controversial Sula Matovu red card, the fitness of winger Patrick Jonah Kakande and the Jogoos’ overall display.

The Jogoos struck first through Frank Ssebuufu, but late pressure from the Venoms paid off when Usama Arafat found the equaliser, denying Villa all three points in a fiercely contested match.

Reflecting on the encounter, Kovacevic applauded both teams for delivering a high-intensity clash worthy of the occasion.

“It was a very good game; both teams played well. I am happy with my team because they tried to execute what we do in training. But Vipers are a good team and they tried to deny us space to operate in,” said the Serbian tactician.

A decisive moment presented itself when defender Barasa Mangoli was temporarily off the pitch receiving treatment, leaving Villa exposed.

Kovacevic admitted that Villa’s defensive lapse during this period proved costly.

“We conceded with 10 players. Barasa was injured and out for treatment when the goal came. Such moments are key in big games. If he remained on the pitch or we made a direct substitution, it could have been a different story.”

Despite the setback, the coach emphasized the need for more incisiveness in the attacking third.
“We need to create more chances and finish the few we get. In games of this magnitude, opportunities are scarce.”

The match’s late drama centered around Sula Matovu, who received a second yellow card from the bench for persistent protests. Kovacevic was quick to defend the veteran.

“Sula is a motivational player. He is nearing the end of his career and wants to be a coach. Sometimes he goes beyond. He is my guy, no problem with him. I allowed him to encourage the players, and that was my mistake, not his.”

On Patrick Jonah Kakande, whose minutes have dwindled despite his strong form over recent seasons, Kovacevic attributed the reduced involvement to early-season setbacks.

“He came back from the national team with an injury and didn’t prepare adequately for the season. He couldn’t return and immediately play big minutes. That’s why he is getting 20–30 minutes in the second half. But he is a good player.”

The coach expects the winger to regain full fitness soon. “After the new year, he will be in good shape and ready to start games.”

SC Villa, now joint top of the Uganda Premier League, will turn their attention to their next challenge, a visit to Maroons FC this Saturday at the Luzira Prisons Grounds.

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