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SC Villa head coach Zeljko Kovacevic has issued a confident but cautious message ahead of Saturday’s Stanbic Uganda Cup final against Kitara FC, insisting his side is ready for a tough challenge but will approach the match with belief.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Kovacevic acknowledged the strength of Kitara while maintaining that SC Villa are focused on delivering a winning performance at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
“Expect a difficult game, but we shall play with confidence,” Kovacevic said.
The Serbian tactician, who is in his first season at Villa Park, is chasing his first major trophy with the Jogoos and believes success in the Uganda Cup would be a significant milestone for both him and his squad.
“For me, it is my first season at Villa and I will be proud of my players if we emerge victorious,” he added.
Kovacevic praised Kitara’s quality and coaching setup, describing them as a well-organised side capable of making the final highly competitive.
“We are playing a very good team with a lot of experience and a good coach. We expect a very good game,” he noted.
Despite admitting that SC Villa do not regularly feature on artificial turf, Kovacevic dismissed concerns over the playing surface, insisting his team has previously adapted well in similar conditions.
“We do not usually play on artificial surfaces, but we have always managed to grind results on such grounds,” he explained.
The Villa coach also revealed that his approach will be shaped by how Kitara set up tactically, highlighting the importance of preparation and analysis ahead of the final.
“The approach will depend on the opponent before I choose the game plan. I always watch their games and I know the kind of opponents we are facing,” he said.
SC Villa captain David Owori echoed the coach’s confidence, saying the players are fully prepared and aware of the stakes involved in the final.
“We have reached this far as a team. We have prepared and trained well, and we hope for the best,” Owori said.
“This is our only hope for silverware and we hope to put up a spirited fight. Any mistake we make could be too costly, so we have no room for errors.”
SC Villa booked their place in the final after a dominant 3-0 aggregate victory over URA FC, showing defensive discipline and attacking efficiency across both legs.
Kitara, on the other hand, reached the final in dramatic fashion, eliminating defending champions Vipers SC on the away goals rule after a 1-1 aggregate draw.
Saturday’s final carries high stakes, with the winner not only lifting the Stanbic Uganda Cup but also securing Uganda’s slot in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.
Both sides head into the match with belief, but Kovacevic insists SC Villa’s confidence will be key as they aim to end the season with silverware.
