51st Stanbic Uganda Cup (Round of 32)
Wednesday, 19th February 2025:
- Simba Vs Sports Club Villa – Namulonge playground, Gayaza (3 PM)
- Rwenzori Lions Vs Buhimba United Saints – Rusese Airlines playground, Kasese (3 PM)
- Total Vs Express – Yumbe (3 PM)
The 51st edition of the Stanbic Uganda Cup has entered the round of 32 stage.
There are 16 explosive matches coming in the next week with three duels on Wednesday, 19th February 2025.
Two top flight clubs; Sports Club Villa and Express will be in action as well as one in the second division (FUFA Big League).
Sports Club Villa is away to Simba at the Namulonge playground in Gayaza.
Alex Gitta’s coached Simba, a Buganda regional team (playing in the third division) ejected another UPL side Mbale Heroes 3-2 whilst SC Villa qualified at the expense of Buganda Region’s Seeta United 3-0.
Morley Byekwaso, head coach of SC Villa expects a tough contest but admits that they will maneuver at all odds.
“We have a lot of responsibility and commitment. We should not under-estimate the opponent. We need to work hard. We like to win. We are aware that the Uganda Cup is one of the hardest tournaments. We shall be away from home but as a big team, we shall thrive through and make it” Byekwaso stated.
Senior player Sula “Malouda” Matovu expressed readiness to tackle the opposition.
“We are soldiers and our coaches have prepared us very well. Everyone is in high spirits and determined to go all the way in and win the game” Matovu confessed.
Skipper Ronald Ssekiganda, Patrick Jonah Kakande, David Colgate Owori, Francis Onekalit and others are some of the important players for the Jogoos.
SC Villa will dearly miss the services of defender Arnold Odong and midfielder Elvis Ngonde who are recovering from injuries.
Meanwhile, high flying second tier side Buhimba United Saints from Kikuube district traveled to Kasese to face third division entity Rwenzori Lions at the Rusese Airlines playground in Kasese district.
Buhimba United Saints is managed by former Uganda Cranes international Paul “Latest” Nkata who will miss the services of his deputy, John Ongodia.
Ongodia lost his dear father, Syliva Epetait and therefore has been accorded a compassionate leave pending burial in Kachumbala, Bukedea district.
It should be recalled that Nkata missed the 2-1 win for Buhimba United Saints as they eliminated Football Classroom at the YES Center in Nsambya during the round of 64 contest and Ongodia was the man in charge.
Against Rwenzori Lions, who are coached by Andrew Nsamba, Buhimba United Saints face a stern test of character.
They are facing a team that ejected Busoga United 2-1.
“We are mentally and physically ready for this contest which is a Western derby. We have prepared well with our coaches since the Big league has been in a break.” Charles Kyomuhendo, team captain remarked.
Kyomhendo’ sentiments are re-echoed by the first assistant coach Ramathan Kiiza. “This will be our second game in the Stanbic Uganda. We are ready to give the best and progress. All the players are ready with no major injuries” Kiiza asserts.
Buhimba United Saints is likely to hand a debut to stylish forward John Wesley Kisakye, a mid-season signing from rivals Boma.
Other players available for selection include Martin Opolot, Lucas Mola, Yunusu Sibira, Derrick Maviri, Davis Kakaire, Farouk Ssekayi, the goalkeeping duo of Ronald Mutebi and Moses Ayebare, among others.
Away in Yumbe, Total football club will entertain the Red Eagles, Express Football Club. During the round of 64, Total eliminated Arua Hill whilst Express got the better of Red Devils.
The Uganda Cup competition has been played since 1971. The winner earns the rights to represent the country at the CAF Confederation Cup.
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