SC Villa head coach Željko Kovačević is anticipating a grueling encounter this afternoon because the Jogoos host BUL FC in a high-stakes Uganda Premier League conflict on the Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

The file champions discover themselves in acquainted territory immediately, returning to the stadium that served as their house for a lot of final season.

The momentary relocation comes after their present base, Kadiba Stadium, was reserved for the Uganda ladies’s nationwide group forward of their essential World Cup qualifier in opposition to Ghana this Saturday.

Villa enters the match buoyed by a dominant 2-0 victory over URA FC within the first leg of the Uganda Cup semifinals. Nevertheless, their league kind took a success of their final outing—a disappointing 2-0 loss to Kitara FC in Hoima.

Kovačević is underneath no illusions in regards to the problem posed by a BUL FC facet that already defeated them 2-1 within the reverse fixture at Njeru earlier this season.

“BUL is not going to come to play a straightforward sport,” Kovačević warned. “They’ll come to indicate us that they’re group, so I anticipate a battle from them.”

Regardless of the tactical problem, the coach’s hand is strengthened by a clear invoice of well being throughout his roster.

“We have now to place up a powerful present as a result of all of the gamers can be found. We have now no accidents or suspensions,” he confirmed.

The Jogoos at present sit fourth within the standings with 51 factors, trailing leaders Vipers SC by eight factors. With KCCA FC (55) and Kitara (54) additionally forward of them, the margin for error has evaporated.

Whereas the summit appears distant, Kovačević stays formidable in regards to the remaining stretch of the season.

“We need to end high, or if that isn’t attainable, then accept second,” the coach added.

Historical past suggests immediately’s assembly might be something however one-sided. Whereas BUL took the utmost factors of their first league assembly, Villa gained revenge in February, knocking the Jinja-based facet out of the Uganda Cup through a tense penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.

BUL FC, at present eighth with 34 factors, might be in search of a redemption story of their very own after falling 1-0 to NEC FC of their earlier match.

For Villa, a win is non-negotiable if they’re to maintain their dwindling title hopes—or a runner-up end—inside attain.