Express’ Byekwaso will be taking on his former paymasters (Photo by Express FC Media)
David GOMBE
Morley Byekwaso will be in the spotlight when rivals SC Villa and Express FC face off in the Kampala derby on Wednesday at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
SC Villa got their first win of the campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over URA at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, while Express cruised to a 2-0 win against KCCA FC at the same venue last week.
Byekwaso, a former Villa player and coach, will be taking on his former paymasters, while John Asiimwe, formerly at Express, will lock horns with his former side.
What the two coaches say
SC Villa coach Zeljko Kovacevic asserts that games of this magnitude give players a chance to showcase their potential.
“A derby is always a good game to showcase experience and talent. And because of that we have to be focused tomorrow. They [Express FC] are a good team; they brought in some experienced players. It will not be such an easy game but we’re ready,” he said.
Byekwaso, on the other hand, believes his charges will be inspired by the victory against KCCA to maximize points against the mighty Jogoos.
“Our team has prepared well, the boys are geared up to see that we perform better in the game against Villa tomorrow. The good thing is that everyone who played the game against KCCA FC is well and we hope the players will be fresh at Villa,” Byekwaso said.
Team News
Villa will be without suspended Isaac Mpagi, who was sent off in the win against URA, while Najib Yiga remains injured.
Aslam Ssemakula is back in the squad after nursing an injury, while Simon Ssemayange is a major doubt.
For Express, Byekwaso revealed that he has no injuries in his team ahead of the mouth-watering contest, with Moses Sseruyidde expected to make his debut.
Players to Watch
The Jogoos will look to their star man Patrick Jonah Kakande, Frank Ssebuufu and Reagan Mpande for inspiration.
The Red Eagles will rely on Isaac Wagoina, Steven Yiga and Glory Kisuule.
Facts
SC Villa have managed 15 wins, lost six and drawn seven in the previous 28 meetings between the two sides since 2012.
The Red Eagles are yet to pick up maximum points away to Villa since 2022, when they needed a goal from Eric Kambale and an own goal from Amir Kakomo to prevail 2-1.
SC Villa have gone 18 games without defeat at home, with their last loss coming against NEC FC in May 2025. During that period, the Jogoos have won 12 and drawn 6.
Express have won just three games on the road in their last twenty visits. They have lost eleven and eight games have ended in stalemates.