SC Villa have the opportunity to move to the top of the Uganda Premier League table when they visit Kataka in Bukedea on Wednesday.
Head coach Zeljko Kovacevic faces a selection balancing act following the return of several key players from international duty.
The Jogoos sit second with 10 points, two behind leaders BUL, meaning a victory at the BCS Complex would take them to the summit.
Kovacevic has welcomed back first-choice goalkeeper David Lukwago, defender Geofrey Lubangakene and forward Frank Ssebuufu, all of whom have returned from national duty and made the squad for the trip east.
However, their inclusion does not guarantee immediate returns to the starting XI, with the Serbian coach keen to maintain faith in the young players who have helped Villa make a strong start.
“They will be with us but may not start,” emphasized Kovacevic.
“They could have minutes especially in the second half but we have a young team who we believe in could fill the void just in case.”
The coach’s other selection decisions include Najib Yiga, who has trained well and could make his first appearance of the season, and Isaac Mpagi, who returns from suspension.
Andrew Otim is also pushing for his first start after making an impact from the bench, scoring twice this season. He will compete with Isaac Gumperom for the position.
Despite Kataka’s slow start, Kovacevic expects a difficult contest after personally watching their 1-0 defeat to KCCA at Lugogo.
“I watched them against KCCA and they are a very strong team who have a good defence and good counterattacks,” he told the press.
“They had like 2-3 chances to score but they missed. Nevertheless, we shall go there and try to win the game because we want to stay in the top contenders,” he added.
Kataka have managed only one point from their opening three matches, but Villa know another disciplined performance will be required to maintain their title charge.
Matchday Five Fixtures
Wednesday, October 7
Kataka vs SC Villa — BCS Complex, Bukedea, 4pm
Kitara vs Kigezi Home Boyz — Hoima City Stadium, 4pm
Maroons vs Lugazi — Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, 4pm
Ntugasaze vs Mbarara City — Police Arena, Kira Road, 4pm
Thursday, October 8
Blacks Power vs Vipers SC — Hoima City Stadium, 4pm
NEC vs Express — MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, 7pm
Friday, October 9
Entebbe UPPC vs Police — Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, 5pm
URA vs KCCA — Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, 8pm
Sunday, October 11
UPDF vs BUL — Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, 4pm
