SC Villa becomes first team to kick off preseason ahead of 2025/26 campaign

SC Villa became the first Uganda Premier League side to commence preseason training ahead of the 2025/26 season, holding their first session on Monday at East High School in Ntinda.

The session was supervised by Strength and Conditioning coach Ram Nyakana, as the club continues preparations in the absence of a substantive head coach. Former tactician Morley Byekwaso parted ways with the record league champions at the end of last season.

Villa’s efforts to appoint Serbian coach Nemanja Milincic recently hit a snag, with negotiations collapsing despite his official unveiling. However, the club is expected to announce a new head coach soon — believed to be another Serbian — who is reportedly already in the country.

Notably, eight senior players missed the opening session as they are currently engaged with the Uganda Cranes camp preparing for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. The absentees included David Owori, Arnold Odong, Elvis Ngonde, Reagan Mpande, Aslam Ssemakula, Ronald Ssekiganda, Charles Lwanga, and Patrick Jonah Kakande.

SC Villa will be aiming to build on their sixth-place finish from last season as they hunt for a record-extending 18th Uganda Premier League title.

With FUFA confirming that the 2025/26 league season will kick off on September 26, clubs are intensifying their preparations. Fixtures are expected to be released on August 26.

Before the league action resumes, the FUFA Super 8 tournament — scheduled for September 7 to 17 — will offer an important test for top-tier sides gearing up for the new campaign.