90 MINUTES TO CUP JOY
Oct 17, 2002
THERE is a feeling of deja vu as perennial favourites Express and SC Villa wrestle one another for cup glory today.
By Mark Namanya
SC Villa v Express
Mandela stadium, 4.00pm
THERE is a feeling of deja vu as perennial favourites Express and SC Villa wrestle one another for cup glory today.
Express’ 3-1 Kakungulu Cup victory over Villa last year continued a rivalry that echoes down the years. The form book again suggests a classic awaits the fans.
The odds are balanced.
The two have met thrice in a cup final with Villa emerging winners on two occasions, in ‘88 and ‘89. But Express, at seven, are joint record winners along with KCC.
Express’ season is at crossroads and only cup success will guise a poor season.
Former Villa favourite Hassan Mubiru has hardly tormented his former employees since his acrimonious departure to Express.
But ominously for the Jogoos, the only time the erstwhile forward inflicted pain on them was in last year’s final.
“Both sides have proven potential so the best team will win,†stand-in coach Richard Kirumira said.
Across town, former Express defender turned adversary Philip Obwiny is the in form man at Villa Park, if not Ugandan soccer.
Skipper Hakim Magumba who coach Micho Sredojevich rates ‘the best playmaker in Uganda’ normally shoulders the creative hub but still has to pass a late fitness test. Dan Obote returns from suspension.
“It’s the last match of a long season. My worry will be on the standards of the referee,†said Micho. Muhammed Segonga is centre referee.
For all their woes, Kampala City Council Football Club will finish the year with a grin.
KCC were the biggest winners on Wednesday night, when Express defeated Police 2-1, despite not kicking a ball. Had Police beaten Express, then Paul Hasule’s team would be assured of the continental place, regardless of their result in the final. Ends
SC Villa v Express
Mandela stadium, 4.00pm
THERE is a feeling of deja vu as perennial favourites Express and SC Villa wrestle one another for cup glory today.
Express’ 3-1 Kakungulu Cup victory over Villa last year continued a rivalry that echoes down the years. The form book again suggests a classic awaits the fans.
The odds are balanced.
The two have met thrice in a cup final with Villa emerging winners on two occasions, in ‘88 and ‘89. But Express, at seven, are joint record winners along with KCC.
Express’ season is at crossroads and only cup success will guise a poor season.
Former Villa favourite Hassan Mubiru has hardly tormented his former employees since his acrimonious departure to Express.
But ominously for the Jogoos, the only time the erstwhile forward inflicted pain on them was in last year’s final.
“Both sides have proven potential so the best team will win,†stand-in coach Richard Kirumira said.
Across town, former Express defender turned adversary Philip Obwiny is the in form man at Villa Park, if not Ugandan soccer.
Skipper Hakim Magumba who coach Micho Sredojevich rates ‘the best playmaker in Uganda’ normally shoulders the creative hub but still has to pass a late fitness test. Dan Obote returns from suspension.
“It’s the last match of a long season. My worry will be on the standards of the referee,†said Micho. Muhammed Segonga is centre referee.
For all their woes, Kampala City Council Football Club will finish the year with a grin.
KCC were the biggest winners on Wednesday night, when Express defeated Police 2-1, despite not kicking a ball. Had Police beaten Express, then Paul Hasule’s team would be assured of the continental place, regardless of their result in the final. Ends