Super 8 2025: URA, Kitara set the ball rolling as KCCA face Villa under lights

The 2025 FUFA Super 8 tournament officially gets underway this evening at the MTN Omondi Stadium, setting the stage for another thrilling preseason showdown among Uganda’s top clubs.

Two mouthwatering fixtures headline match day one, with URA FC facing Kitara FC at 4:00pm before KCCA FC lock horns with SC Villa under the floodlights at 7:00pm.

URA FC vs Kitara FC – Early Test for Isabirye’s Charges

URA FC come into the tournament fresh from unveiling four signings: experienced forward Nelson Senkatuka, defenders Arthur Kiggundu and Ronald Otti, plus last season’s FUFA Big League Best Goalkeeper Muhammad Ssekeba.

Head coach Alex Isabirye believes the Super 8 will provide a perfect platform to build cohesion ahead of the new StarTimes Uganda Premier League season.

“We are taking this tournament very seriously because it gives us a chance to fine-tune the team before the new season kicks off. The new players have integrated well and are adding real competition in the squad. Against Kitara, we expect a competitive match, but our focus is on improving every aspect of our game,” said Isabirye.

Kitara, the Royals, are also active in the transfer market and will be keen to make a strong statement in their opening clash against the Tax Collectors.

KCCA FC vs SC Villa – A Rivalry Under Floodlights

The day’s second fixture sees traditional giants KCCA FC and SC Villa renew their rivalry in what promises to be an explosive encounter. New KCCA coach Brian Ssenyondo admits it’s not the easiest of opening fixtures but welcomes the challenge.

“It’s never a fixture you wish to start with because of the rivalry between the two clubs, but at the same time, it’s the best test of character for the players. We want to see how they respond in such a big game,” noted Ssenyondo.

Kasasiro Boys’ defender Filbert Obenchan echoed his coach’s words, stressing the need for caution:

“This is a fixture we have to handle with care. The target is to restore the club’s glory, and games like these set the tone for the season ahead.”

KCCA are boosted by the return of eight players who were part of Uganda Cranes’ 2024 CHAN squad, including Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Herbert Achayi, Gavin Kizito, Emmanuel Anyama, and Joel Sserunjogi.

Action continues tomorrow (Thursday) at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo with two more quarterfinal clashes: defending champions BUL FC will battle Maroons FC, while NEC FC take on Express FC under floodlights.

The FUFA Super 8 is reserved for teams that finished in the top eight positions of the previous Uganda Premier League season. The opening round is played on a two-legged basis, with the return fixtures scheduled for September 9th and 10th, immediately after the international break.

Semifinals will be played as single-leg ties. Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC, who qualified for the tournament, opted out to focus on their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie against Namibia’s African Stars and were replaced by Express FC.