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SC Villa head coach Željko Kovačević is anticipating a grueling encounter this afternoon as the Jogoos host BUL FC in a high-stakes Uganda Premier League clash at the Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
The record champions find themselves in familiar territory today, returning to the stadium that served as their home for much of last season.
The temporary relocation comes after their current base, Kadiba Stadium, was reserved for the Uganda women’s national team ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against Ghana this Saturday.
Villa enters the match buoyed by a dominant 2-0 victory over URA FC in the first leg of the Uganda Cup semifinals. However, their league form took a hit in their last outing—a disappointing 2-0 loss to Kitara FC in Hoima.
Kovačević is under no illusions about the challenge posed by a BUL FC side that already defeated them 2-1 in the reverse fixture at Njeru earlier this season.
“BUL will not come to play an easy game,” Kovačević warned. “They will come to show us that they are a good team, so I expect a fight from them.”
Despite the tactical challenge, the coach’s hand is strengthened by a clean bill of health across his roster.
“We have to put up a strong show because all the players are available. We have no injuries or suspensions,” he confirmed.
The Jogoos currently sit fourth in the standings with 51 points, trailing leaders Vipers SC by eight points. With KCCA FC (55) and Kitara (54) also ahead of them, the margin for error has evaporated.
While the summit seems distant, Kovačević remains ambitious about the final stretch of the season.
“We want to finish top, or if that is not possible, then settle for second,” the coach added.
History suggests today’s meeting will be anything but one-sided. While BUL took the maximum points in their first league meeting, Villa gained revenge in February, knocking the Jinja-based side out of the Uganda Cup via a tense penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.
BUL FC, currently eighth with 34 points, will be looking for a redemption story of their own after falling 1-0 to NEC FC in their previous match.
For Villa, a win is non-negotiable if they are to keep their dwindling title hopes—or a runner-up finish—within reach.
