The StarTimes Uganda Premier League goes into the break with a lot of talking points.
KCCA takes charge, NEC stopped while three sides remain winless after four match days.
Here are the talking points from the UPL so far before focus shifts to Uganda Cranes back-to-back encounters against South Sudan.
Time ticking for Ssenyondo, Kikomeko at Kitara, BUL?
Brian Ssenyondo and his troops in Benghazi Credit: Kitara FC
Prior to the season kick off, Kitara and BUL were branded amongst title favourites.
However, the shocking abysmal start to the campaign have left Brian Ssenyondo and Abbey Kikomeko on the edge.
Kitara, despite a brilliant start when they beat Lugazi 3-0 have since lost to NEC (2-1), KCCA (2-0) and Police (1-0) leaving them seven points off the top.
Abbey Bogere Kikomeko addresses the media during his unveiling ceremony
For Kikomeko, it is even worse as BUL, fresh from lifting the Fufa Super 8 as they haven’t managed any win losing two and drawing as many and languish in relegation zone – sitting second from bottom to be precise.
For how long will Kitara and BUL stick with Ssenyondo and Kikomeko respectively if the performances continue to stay down?
Nsibambi proves his value as KCCA takes charge
Derrick Nsibambi Credit: John Batanudde
KCCA took to the top of the table with a hard-fought victory over Soltilo Bright Stars at Kavumba.
Derrick Nsibambi proved the difference in that game with the winner continuing to show his value to the team.
KCCA head into the break on the top of the table with 10 points from tough fixtures versus BUL, Kitara, URA and even Stars away.
Red Eagles check NEC’s credentials
Action between Express and NEC at Hamz Stadium (Nakivubo) on match day four of the 2024-2025 Uganda Premier League | Credit: John Batanudde
NEC’s perfect start to the season came to end with Express the side that stopped them at Hamz stadium, Nakivubo.
Two early goals proved decisive and despite a late surge in the second half, NEC couldn’t remain unbeaten leaving only KCCA and Police as the only unbeaten side in the division so far.
Tough start for Lugazi but BUL, Bright Stars also remain winless
Action from UPDF 1-0 Lugazi Credit: Lugazi
Lugazi were fancied for their organisation and having a home after getting promoted.
However, defeat at Maroons on Sunday leaves them with one point and at the base of the table.
Like Lugazi, much fancied BUL and Bright Stars are the three sides that remain without victory at this point in the season.
URA hits right attacking strides at ‘embattled Mbale Heroes’
Before Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Mbale Heroes, the goal output from URA’s three Premier League games was a Moses Aliro and Ivan Ahimbisibwe strikes.
Lubwama, Ahimbisibwe and Namanya Credit: URA SC
Not quite the abundant yield expected under the new manager, Alex Isabirye – but, aided by some woefully soft Mbale Heroes defending and poor goalkeeping.
Ahimbisibwe hit the first season hattrick and the goals came against a side who will do well to stay up on this evidence; the tax collectors’ next two games, against BUL and UPDF, will provide a tougher test.
No Kavazovic, no problem as Vipers bounce back
Vipers bounced back from a disappointing draw with Lugazi to beat champions SC Villa 2-1 at Kitende.
Vipers coach Nikola Kavazovic Credit: John Batanudde
They did so without their head coach Nikola Kavazovic leaving new addition John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda and Fred Muhumuzza in charge.
With three points just behind new leaders KCCA, the Venoms are back and could the win against rivals Villa give the management something else to think about in terms of not returning the Serbian? Your guess is as good as mine.
Villa need to find antidote for away matches
Morley Byekwaso
SC Villa lost only once away from home to rivals KCCA in the premier league last season but have already lost double the number this season in as many fixtures.
The defeats at Mbale Heroes and Vipers leave Villa four points off the table early in the season and if the run doesn’t stop, Morley Byekwaso could be in trouble.
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