Record champions SC Villa will this afternoon start their Uganda Premier league title defense against a Livingstone Mbabazi coached Mbarara City.
The game is on this Monday afternoon, the 16th September at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.
In their recent two meetings that came last season, SC Villa won 2-1 over Mbarara at Wankulukuku before the two sides played out to a goalless draw in Mbarara.
In their last 11 meetings, SC Villa has been dominant with a record six wins, two draws and four losses.
Morley Byekwaso who took over the head coach roles at the Jogoos following the departure of Serbian tactician Dusan Stojanovic will want to begin his era on a high in front of their fans at Wankulukuku.
Stojanovic won the 17th record league title ending Villa’s 20 year long wait without winning the title last season.
Byekwaso took over immediately the Serbian left after a disappointing CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign.
SC Villa also parted ways with key players including skipper Kenneth Semakula, Umar Lutalo and Gavin Mugweri Kizito.
Tony Atukunda, Isaac Mpagi, Francis Onekalit, Najib Yiga, Denis Kaka, Hassan Mubiru, Geoffrey Lubangakene and experienced Sula Matovu alias Malouda were recruited to fill the void left by the many departures.
The Jogoos will largely depend onto the best UPL player last season in Patrick Jonah Kakande and Uganda Cranes midfielder Ronald Ssekiganda.
Mbarara City on the other have reappointed Charles Livingstone Mbabazi as their new head coach to replace Wasswa Bbosa who parted ways with the club after overcoming relegation last season.
The Ankole Lions finished the 10th position on the League table last season with 32 points.
However, the club also let go players in Pius Wangi, Amir Kakomo, Yunus Sibira, Ronald Mutebi but retained their key man in Henry Kitegenyi.
New signings including former SC Villa left back Joseph Kafumbe, Jamil Kalisa, Hassan Jurua are expected to be handed their debuts.
