Abdallah Mubiru delivered a statement of intent as KCCA beat Kitara in a controlled performance to show title credentials.
Hussein Mbalangu’s men stay perfect, Kavazovic and Vipers hope for an instant impact with the addition of John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda while Villa show they are not ready to give away their title.
We look at the talking points from the StarTimes Uganda Premier League match day three.
Credit: John Batanudde
Perfect NEC not backing down
NEC remain the only perfect side after a hard-fought win over UPDF. Rashid Okocha scored late to break resilient army side sending signals that Mbalangu’s men are not about to back down in the race.
KCCA statement win
KCCA registered their first win over Kitara in a controlled performance to show their title credentials.
Said Mayanja scored after a mazy run by youngster Shafik ‘Nana’ Kwikiriza while striker Derrick Nsibambi capitalised on an error by Crispus Kusiima to get his first goal of the season.
Musitafa Mujjuzi, KCCA captain gestures during the game | Credit: John Batanudde
The Kasasiro were totally in control over the Royals for the 90 minutes keeping danger men Jude Ssemugabi and Denis Omedi silent.
The win took the 13-time champions within two points of leaders NEC and have conceded just once in three matches.
On paper, matches against URA, BUL and Kitara were supposed to be tough but picking 7 out of 9 points shows Mubiru’s side want to reclaim their position as the number one club in the country.
For Kitara, defeat, second in three matches now puts them under pressure after holding the favourite tag given their expenditure in the window.
Morley Byekwaso on the wheel
SC Villa Hakim Kiwanuka celebrates his goal against BUL at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku | Credit: John Batanudde
Reigning champions SC Villa don’t appear like they will just give away their title.
In beating title rivals BUL 2-1 at Wankulukuku, Morley Byekwaso’s charges showed that a 1-0 defeat at Mbale Heroes was just a blip.
On the other hand, defeat left Abbey Kikomeko’s men winless so far with two points which is a shocking start for a side that is amongst title favourites.
Bengo’s Wakiso Giants continues to surprise
Before the campaign started, many pundits wrote Wakiso Giants in the column of sides that could go down. Of course, it is still early days but they don’t seem to be a side that will be in the relegation conversation.
Wakiso Giants celebrate goal Credit: John Philip Mugabi
There were many departures of key players at Wakiso and a new coaching staff of ‘starters’ Steven Bengo and Tonny Mawejje were meant to struggle in the early days but they are defying odds.
With seven points out of nine, the Purple Sharks have made their best ever start to the campaign and in Herbert Asiimwe (3 goals in as many matches), they seem to have found a hit man to replace Kenneth Kimera who is yet to net at his new club Vipers SC.
Kavazovic under pressure at Vipers
Vipers coach Nikola Kavazovic Credit: John Batanudde
A win, draw and defeat is not what Serbian Nikola Kavazovic expected when he started this campaign at six-time champions Vipers.
With five points behind leaders early on, the management at the club have already shown signs of panic or mistrust in Kavazovic and have added ex-Wakiso Giants coach John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda on their staff.
They will hope his addition creates an instant positive impact when they host champions SC Villa.
Win remains elusive for six sides
Action from Police vs BUL at Kavumba Credit: Police FC
Meanwhile, six teams remain winless so far including former winners Police and Maroons, one of the title favourites BUL, Soltilo Bright Stars, new league entrants Lugazi and Mbarara City.
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