UPL: Kovacevic anticipates fierce BUL test as SC Villa chase league revival

SC Villa head coach Zeljko Kovacevic has warned his players to brace for a difficult afternoon against BUL FC as the Uganda Premier League continues today at Wankulukuku Stadium.

The Jogoos return to familiar territory after temporarily shifting from Kadiba Stadium, which is currently occupied by the Uganda Women’s National Team ahead of Saturday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ghana.

Wankulukuku served as SC Villa’s home venue last season in UPL

Villa approach the contest seeking a quick response after suffering a 2-0 league defeat away to Kitara FC in Hoima.

Despite that setback, confidence within the camp remains high following their impressive 2-0 victory over URA FC in the first leg of the Stanbic Uganda Cup semifinal earlier this week.

Kovacevic believes his side is fully prepared for the challenge, especially with the squad available for selection.

“We have to put up a strong performance because all the players are available. We have no injuries or suspensions,” he noted.

The Serbian tactician also expects BUL to arrive with determination after their recent struggles. “BUL will not come for an easy game. They will come to prove they are a strong side, so I expect a real battle,” he added.

Villa sit fourth on the UPL log standings with 51 points, trailing leaders Vipers SC by eight. KCCA FC and Kitara occupy second and third, respectively, on 55 and 54 points.

Even with the UPL title race tightening, Kovacevic insists his team is still targeting the highest possible finish. “We want to finish first, and if that doesn’t happen, then we aim for second place,” he stressed.

The reverse fixture in Njeru ended in a 2-1 victory for BUL FC, with Alex Kitata and Nicholas Mwere getting on the scoresheet before Reagan Mpande pulled one back for Villa.

The two clubs also clashed in the Uganda Cup earlier this year, where Villa edged through on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw at Kadiba Stadium.

BUL head into today’s encounter in eighth place with 34 points and will be aiming to recover from their narrow 1-0 loss to NEC FC last time out.

Friday Fixtures in UPL

• SC Villa vs BUL FC – Wankulukuku, 4 pm EAT
• Buhimba United Saints vs Express FC – Butema, 4 pm EAT
• Vipers SC vs URA FC – Kitende, 8 pm EAT