Mubiru: Villa stand firm, Express plans court action

Dec 19, 2002

SC Villa is unfazed by the hullabaloo surrounding their former star striker Hassan Mubiru and accusations from Express that the champions are trying to disorganise the Red Eagles camp

By Mark Namanya

SC Villa is unfazed by the hullabaloo surrounding their former star striker Hassan Mubiru and accusations from Express that the champions are trying to disorganise the Red Eagles camp.

Mubiru’s mysterious attempt at a professional stint in Brunei fell through when Express boss Godfrey Kirumira alerted airport operatives on Wednesday.

But the involvement of Villa official Tushar Ruparelia and player Hakim Magumba has threatened to brew trouble between the two bitter rivals.

Club secretary Edward Luyimbazi Mugalu said yesterday there is no correlation between the work of an individual and a club.

“Tushar has his own business and is an independent person. He can transport players on his own. For example, he did the same with Arthur Byansiima.

That is not Villa involved – it is an individual.”

Luyimbazi added that Magumba, like any human being, can have friends everywhere.

“He has his friends in all clubs and it’s not anything new.”

However, Express has stated that it is taking legal action against Villa. In a press statement, the club accused Villa of being corrupt and not ashamed of its actions.

“The practice of depleting and compromising players of rival teams by Villa has gone on for a long time and it is one of the many ways in which it corrupts rival teams to gain unfair advantage.”

Express has requested for action by FUFA/ NFLC against Villa, Ruparelia and Magumba.

The new twist adds fuel to the friction between the two clubs over the last couple of months.

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