SC Villa seeks fan unity amid CAF ticket price hike

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SC Villa spokesperson Asan Kasingye has urged football fans to embrace the ticket prices for the upcoming CAF Champions League match, where the club will host Ethiopia Commercial Bank this Saturday at Mandela Stadium in Namboole. 

The ordinary ticket is priced at sh50,000, which some may find steep.

Speaking at a press conference at City Tyres’ head office in the Industrial Area in Kampala on Monday, August 12, Kasingye explained that fans should understand the financial challenges faced by the club.

He highlighted that FUFA and CAF do not provide clubs with funds for travel expenses to return games during the group stages, necessitating higher ticket prices to cover these costs.

VIP tickets are set at sh100,000, with sales beginning on Wednesday, August 14, at all City Tyres and City Oil outlets across Kampala.

“The fee is high to support the club meet ticket expenses to travel to Ethiopia," Kasingye stated, updating the public on the club’s preparations for the CAF game.

He further outlined logistics for the match, stating, “There will be limited ticket sales at the gate, no electronic tickets; they will not have seat numbers. Keep your tickets safe so you do not lose the barcode. There will also be a raffle at half-time of the game. Do not carry heavy luggage, sharp objects, and alcohol into the stadium.”

Kasingye also mentioned that referees from Zambia and a commissioner from Djibouti will officiate the game.

SC Villa’s interim coach, Morley Byekwaso reassured fans that the team is well-prepared to face the skilled ball-passing Ethiopians, without feeling pressured.

Byekwaso noted that he had faced the team in a friendly earlier this year during the Uganda Hippos’ journey to the U20 AFCON in March.

“They press the ball well. So, we will not give them the opportunity to possess and pass the ball,” Byekwaso remarked.

Assistant captain David Owori called on fans to turn out in large numbers for the game, describing it as a pivotal moment for the club.

“Saturday is the judgment day for us, and there is always a first time for everything,” Owori said, emphasising their debut appearance in the CAF Champions League after 20 years.

SC Villa fans' coordinator Dr Kassim Senyange also urged support, reminding fans of the financial demands of the upcoming return game.

“The ticket is high, but we should realise that the club needs over sh90m for tickets to the return game in Ethiopia,” he said.

The Ethiopia Commercial Bank team is scheduled to arrive at Entebbe Airport at 5:30 pm on Thursday and will train at 10:00 am on Friday.

SC Villa’s final training session will take place at 3:00 pm at the same stadium on Friday.