Overview:
Champions Vipers, KCCA and SC Villa are locked in a title race at the halfway mark alongside surprise package Entebbe UPPC who sit just above the latter two on the table.
The StarTimes Uganda Premier League goes into a minibreak as teams now focus on the Stanbic Uganda Cup following the conclusion of the first round.
Champions Vipers, KCCA and SC Villa are locked in a title race at the halfway mark alongside surprise package Entebbe UPPC who sit just above the latter two on the table.
Vipers lead by six points but the table is crowded from second to sixth separated by two points and just back-to-back wins can propel sixth to second.
It is the same story at the bottom half with seven points separating 9th [18pts] from 15th [11pts] with only Calvary at the base a distant with only four points.
As we head into the final round, Ismael Kiyonga has assembled the best combined XI of the 16 teams.
GK: Rogers Omedwa [Entebbe UPPC]
Many had written him off when he spent a season at URA without making the match day squads last campaign but Omedwa has reinvented himself.
He makes an average of two saves per game and only once has he conceded twice keeping eight clean sheets so far including six in a row.
RB: Jonathan Gift Odong [Entebbe UPPC]
In a league short on decent right backs, Odong takes the spot for his defensive astuteness and bravely going forward.
The ex-Bright Stars’ man is a permanent figure in Abdallah Mubiru’s team and has notched three assists so far from his offensive runs.
LB: Herbert Achai [SC Villa]
Tidy in possession but defensively neat is the true description of Achai at left back.
Achai has also learnt to drift inside overloading the central area when KCCA is in possession and takes no prisoners when defending. He has contributed a few goals and assists this term.
CB: Kevin Bady Dasylva [Vipers]
Daslyva instantly became a fans favourite with his intelligent game and is one of the first names on the Vipers team sheet.
The DR Congo born has since dislodged Rogers Torach and also provides a threat when he comes forward in dead ball situations.
CB: Barasa Mangoli [SC Villa]
Mangoli has been brilliant for SC Villa this season and is a pure joy to watch.
The MUBS student is so calm in possession, whether he is under pressure or not. He has a real air of authority and composure.
The centre back is also one of the reasons why the Jogoos easily play from the back with him on the pitch.
CM: Isa Bugembe [Entebbe UPPC]
Bugembe has already preferred to play as an attacking midfielder but like Gift Ali, Mubiru appears to have discovered his best position and that is the anchorman role.
If you have watched Entebbe UPPC this season, Bugembe is the player that makes the team tick and it explains why he has won several Man of the match awards.
Bugembe has proved to own everything you want from a midfielder; willing to receive the ball from his backs and build from there, the passing range to switch play, plus decent delivery from dead balls.
CM: Karim Watambala [Vipers]
An absolute powerhouse in the centre of midfield for Vipers. Has energy, character and willingness to work in abundance. A brilliant all-rounder who has added more goals to his game this season with some stunning strikes including one against Police that is a contender for goal of the season. He has scored 7 goals so far – one short of the leading goal scorer.
CAM: Denis Kalanzi [Police]
Kalanzi leads the assists’ chart with 5 so far but it is his ball playing ability and quality on the ball that has been sensational. Bedia Ikamba could be name on the score sheet but Kalanzi’s creativity is one of the reasons Police is in the thick of the title race.
CF: Ambrose Kigozi [Entebbe UPPC]
The season’s revelation so far. Kigozi has scored consistently to give his side wins. Brilliant first touch for a nine and a decent finisher. 8 goals coming in the last nine matches explains the phenomenal he is.
His coach Abdallah Mubiru describes him as ‘one of the best finishers’ he has worked with in his long coaching career.
RW: Usama Arafat [Vipers]
He has hit the ground running at Vipers and is arguably amongst the standout players at the club. With a goal contribution of nine [G5 A4], he has the best GA contribution of any player in the division and some of his goals – and some of his performances – have been out of this world.
LW: Najib Yiga [SC Villa]
Najib Yiga has rediscovered himself in this season at SC Villa thanks to mainly Kovacevic.
He has so much improved beyond statistics that read 3 goals and as many assists so far helping the Jogoos keep in the title conversation.
Whether through the middle as one of the two no.10s alongside Aslam Ssemakula or down the left, Yiga has been excellent.
Manager: Zeljko Kovacevic [SC Villa]
The manager maybe a surprise to some but for those that have keenly followed local football, very few coaches come in and implement a visible style of play and as well improve players.
The Serbian has done a good job making Villa exciting to watch with their high intensity game but went to improve players: Ibrahim Kasinde, Najib Yiga, Aslam Ssemakula, Misi Diego Ssemugera and Hassan Mubiru are valid examples.
Not so many coaches would be in a title race with the kind of squad at Villa.