Zeljko Kovacevic warns of tough challenge ahead of Villa vs NEC
Overview:
NEC could unleash forward Fahad Bayo who returned to the Uganda Premier league after stints abroad but the main man remains Richard Basangwa whose double eliminated UPPC.
Friday August 14, 2026
Hamz stadium, Nakivubo 7pm
Reigning Fufa Super 8 holders SC Villa lock horns with NEC in the semi-final in a repeat of last year’s final which the Jogoos won 2-0 at Fufa stadium, Kadiba.
NEC saw off Entebbe UPPC 3-2 on aggregate to get the stage while Villa were 4-2 winners over Maroons – both teams winning only one leg after drawing the first one-all.
Badru Kaddu’s chargers are fresher after they played their quarter final match last week and Villa only played three days ago following postponement of their clash due to tragic death of David Owori.
SC Villa coach Zeljko Kovacevic has hailed NEC as a very good side and anticipates a tougher challenge than last season when his side won three times against the Bugolobi based side.
“They are a very good and strong side and it will be a difficult game,” said Kovacevic. “Yes, we beat them thrice last season but that is now history. However, the target is to win and get to the finals and we shall do all it takes to do so against a side we highly respect,” he added.
His playmaker Patrick Kakande reveals the Jogoos want to defend their crown and are ready for the battle.
“The target remains defending the trophy and we can only do so if we put up a good performance,” said Kakande who will be one of the main threats from the Villa side who also have Frank Ssebuufu, Najib Yiga and Aslam Ssemakula to look out for.
NEC could unleash forward Fahad Bayo who returned to the Uganda Premier league after stints abroad but the main man remains Richard Basangwa whose double eliminated UPPC.
Prior to the big one, Abdallah Mubiru’s men will take on Maroons in a classification game at 4pm at the same venue.
KCCA are already in the final scheduled for Tuesday August 18 after overcoming Kitara 1-0 in the semis earlier this week.
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