Obwiny key figure as SC Villa plays Mlandege

SC Villa v MlandegeMOSES Basena faces his first major test as Villa battles home team Mlandege in the opening match of the regional tournament today, writes William Muwonge and Joseph Batte. Basena, handed the coaching job following Paul Hasule’s sacking last December, faces an unknown opposition at Amman stadium. The largely young and inexperienced Villa squad will be without five key players dropped Tuesday for indiscipline and poor form.Defenders Timothy Batabaire, David Yiga, Godfrey Kateregga, Robert Tumusiime and striker Said Abedi did not make the team. Goalkeeper Posnet Omony also stayed behind because of a knee injury. Two more players Tom Muwonge and Michael Mukiibi will join the team next week after completing their examinations at Makerere University. “The players I have can do the job, success is built around the team,” Basena said. Basena’s biggest worry is defence and striking areas lacking the much needed punch where seasoned all rounder Phillip Obwiny will be crucial. Obwiny is the man to marshal the defence depleted of the other key actors. The international will coordinate efforts with Nestroy Kizito, Patrick Musoke and Peter Makanga with Hannington Kalyesubula in goal. A positive partnership will help check what promises to be a spirited challenge from Mlandege. Probable line-up: H. Kalyesubula, P. Obwiny, N. Kizito, P. Makanga, P. Musoke, E. Watson, M. Byekwaso, A. Isabirye, M. Sunguti, H. Magumba, A. Kadogo.ends