Express must watch Bengo
WHEN the stakes are high and the assignment at hand massive, one needs to rely on what inspires him most.
Uganda super league
- Today
Express FC v SC Villa
By Fred Kaweesi
WHEN the stakes are high and the assignment at hand massive, one needs to rely on what inspires him most.
It is to this effect that 16-time league champions SC Villa will place their derby hopes on youthful Steven Bengo in their first away tie against rivals Express FC at Wankulukuku.
Fixtures between the two sides have never been short of drama. And while domestic football prepares for yet another landmark game between the two that might present a stern inquisition into both clubs’ season goals, there are indications the high-profile game could still be decided by the 21-year-old.
Bengo was everything exciting about Villa’s dominance over Express last season, his contender for goal of the season the icing on their first round 1-1 draw at Namboole. He struck a classic as the Blues swept past the Red Eagles with a 1-0 win in the second round. Villa faithful feel that no other player will shape the destiny of today’s game.
Those who put a premium on flair love his capacity for the unexpected. Others admire the way he laces his virtuosity with industry and unselfishness.
It is a fact that Villa possesses a string of gifted footballers such as league lead scorer Emmanuel Okwi but for today, it will be vital that Bengo keeps his composure.
Express’ coaching staff will certainly send their charges out with an ultimatum of denying the youngster space and dead-ball situations.
Jimmy Muguwa looks certain to keep faith with the team that gained a decent 1-1 result against Kinyara in Masindi but will be forced into early changes if they give the ball away cheaply, a major factor in a couple of their recent league matches.
“We have to pass the ball better otherwise it will be difficult to go the whole way,†he stated earlier.
Express will be expected to play a patient game, trying to frustrate their opponents who need to win to keep table leaders KCC FC in sight.
Mukasa Kivumbi adds that Nalubaale FC coach Marin Dorian is to leave soon.
Club owner Steven Njubi confirmed yesterday that James Magala, who has been Dorian’s assistant since he was hired January last year, would take up the job.
Njubi said the coach has problems with his family in Syria. But Sources said the man got scared when fans attempted to beat him when the club started the season poorly.
Dorian is the best paid local club coach in Uganda with a monthly package of sh8m.
* Iganga FC coach Kefa Kisala has said he will throw in the towel should club officials continue to exert pressure on him, adds Swalley Kenyi.
Iganga officials gave Kisala an ultimatum to improve or be fired ahead of Iganga’s 1-1 drawn match against Boroboro.
But Kisala said after losing to Police on Wednesday he was ready to leave if he was the cause of their poor performance. “I better leave peacefully. I don’t want to sign a contract.â€
Iganga has picked only two wins and a draw in six matches so far.
----------------------------------------
Past head to head MEETINGS SINCE 2001
2007/8
1st round
Express 1 Villa 1
2nd round
Villa 1 Express 0
2007
1st rd
Express 0
Villa 0
2nd rd
Villa 1 Express 0
2006
1st rD
Villa 1 Express 2
2nd rd
Express 0 Villa 1
2005
1st round
DiDn’t meet because of group format
2004
1st round
Villa 1 Express 2
Express 0 Villa 0
2003
1st round
Villa 0 Express 0
2nd round
Express 2 Villa 0
2002
1st round
Express 0 Villa 0
2nd round
Villa 1 Express 0
2001
1st round
Villa 1 Express 1
2nd round
Villa 1 Express 0
- Today
Express FC v SC Villa
By Fred Kaweesi
WHEN the stakes are high and the assignment at hand massive, one needs to rely on what inspires him most.
It is to this effect that 16-time league champions SC Villa will place their derby hopes on youthful Steven Bengo in their first away tie against rivals Express FC at Wankulukuku.
Fixtures between the two sides have never been short of drama. And while domestic football prepares for yet another landmark game between the two that might present a stern inquisition into both clubs’ season goals, there are indications the high-profile game could still be decided by the 21-year-old.
Bengo was everything exciting about Villa’s dominance over Express last season, his contender for goal of the season the icing on their first round 1-1 draw at Namboole. He struck a classic as the Blues swept past the Red Eagles with a 1-0 win in the second round. Villa faithful feel that no other player will shape the destiny of today’s game.
Those who put a premium on flair love his capacity for the unexpected. Others admire the way he laces his virtuosity with industry and unselfishness.
It is a fact that Villa possesses a string of gifted footballers such as league lead scorer Emmanuel Okwi but for today, it will be vital that Bengo keeps his composure.
Express’ coaching staff will certainly send their charges out with an ultimatum of denying the youngster space and dead-ball situations.
Jimmy Muguwa looks certain to keep faith with the team that gained a decent 1-1 result against Kinyara in Masindi but will be forced into early changes if they give the ball away cheaply, a major factor in a couple of their recent league matches.
“We have to pass the ball better otherwise it will be difficult to go the whole way,†he stated earlier.
Express will be expected to play a patient game, trying to frustrate their opponents who need to win to keep table leaders KCC FC in sight.
Mukasa Kivumbi adds that Nalubaale FC coach Marin Dorian is to leave soon.
Club owner Steven Njubi confirmed yesterday that James Magala, who has been Dorian’s assistant since he was hired January last year, would take up the job.
Njubi said the coach has problems with his family in Syria. But Sources said the man got scared when fans attempted to beat him when the club started the season poorly.
Dorian is the best paid local club coach in Uganda with a monthly package of sh8m.
* Iganga FC coach Kefa Kisala has said he will throw in the towel should club officials continue to exert pressure on him, adds Swalley Kenyi.
Iganga officials gave Kisala an ultimatum to improve or be fired ahead of Iganga’s 1-1 drawn match against Boroboro.
But Kisala said after losing to Police on Wednesday he was ready to leave if he was the cause of their poor performance. “I better leave peacefully. I don’t want to sign a contract.â€
Iganga has picked only two wins and a draw in six matches so far.
----------------------------------------
Past head to head MEETINGS SINCE 2001
2007/8
1st round
Express 1 Villa 1
2nd round
Villa 1 Express 0
2007
1st rd
Express 0
Villa 0
2nd rd
Villa 1 Express 0
2006
1st rD
Villa 1 Express 2
2nd rd
Express 0 Villa 1
2005
1st round
DiDn’t meet because of group format
2004
1st round
Villa 1 Express 2
Express 0 Villa 0
2003
1st round
Villa 0 Express 0
2nd round
Express 2 Villa 0
2002
1st round
Express 0 Villa 0
2nd round
Villa 1 Express 0
2001
1st round
Villa 1 Express 1
2nd round
Villa 1 Express 0