This Wednesday, the Uganda Premier League will witness arguably the biggest game of the season so far as KCCA take on SC Villa at refurbished Mandela National stadium, Namboole.
These two teams along with Vipers were the top three in the division last season with the Jogoos pushing both KCCA and eventual winners Vipers until the final day of the campaign.
It is a little different this season with Villa firmly in the race as compared to the Kasasiro but that doesn’t change the fact that the Jogoos have only won twice in the past 22 league meetings.
In Fact, Villa’s last win over KCCA was in 2020 when Nicholas Kabonge and Ronald Ssekiganda netted for the Jogoos.
Unsurprisingly, ahead of the match, there has been plenty of debate over the quality of the two squads with a discussion over who exactly should be included in a combined XI made up of players from each side.
Below, Ismael Kiyonga makes his choices based on this season’s performance.
Goalkeeper – Anthony Emojong
Anthony Emojong
KCCA have conceded nearly half more than what Villa have but that is not entirely about the goalkeeping department.
Since taking over as number one, Emojong has been impressive between the sticks with his reflexes and ball playing that helps KCCA build from the back with ease.
Norman Angufinduru would have been the number one in this combined team but injury has denied opportunity to play the second round.
Right Back – Gavin Kizito
Gavin Kizito closes down Usama Arafat at Wankulukuku Credit: John Batanudde
For lack of consistency in this position at KCCA, Gavin Kizito remains the best option for his defensive solidity and also improved game going forward.
KCCA have had to use Filbert Obenchan, Ogwang, Mfulu Bruno and Haruna Lukwago in this position citing lack of consistency.
Left back – Herbert Achai
Herbert Achai takes on Davis Mayanja during the game. Mayanja was booked (Credit: KCCA FC Media)
The left back appears to have fully recovered from injury that plagued him for the last couple of seasons.
Achai has been a mainstay in the team since his return and beats Joseph Kafumbe to the position due to his defensive abilities.
Centre back – Kenneth Ssemakula
Kenneth Ssemakula Credit: John Batanudde
The versatile Villa captain has played almost everywhere on the pitch but it is at centre back that he appears most comfortable.
A fantastic game reader, good on the ground and in the air and one that supports the team going forward with his clever passes.
Obenchan and Magambo have done well so far since the appointment of Abdallah Mubiru but have hit the right heights as Ssemakula.
Centre back – Arnold Odong
Arnold Odong Credit: John Batanudde
Arguably the first name on Dusan Stojanovic line up when fully fit. Odong seems slow but reads the game well and neutralizes all aerie threat with his gangly frame.
The centre back can also easily play from the back and has a couple of goals to his name.
Partnered with over three different players at the heart of Villa defence but remains top.
Central Midfield – Joel Sserunjogi
Joel Sserunjogi vs SC Villa
One of the easiest picks in this combined XI. Joel as fondly known has been top notch in protecting the backline and also help the team play as he dictates tempo, never gives away possession, has positional sense and rarely puts a foot wrong.
Misi Diego Ssemugera has been key for Villa but Joel has been more important especially with the way KCCA play.
Central Midfield – Umar Lutalo
Credit: John Batanudde
The Villa number 10 takes one of the slots in the three-man midfield for his importance to the team.
Lutalo has the ability to score an odd goal, link attack and defence and also make the right passes to his forwards as demonstrated so far this season.
Central Midfield – Ashraf Mugume
Mugume
One of the most intelligent players in the premier league who works his socks off the team. Mugume knows how to make late runs in the box as witnessed in matches away to Villa and Express has 7 goals to his name so far from his position.
He can be a creative force with his intelligent movement on and off the ball and a coach’s dream to have in the team.
Striker – Muhammad Shaban
Muhammad Shaban Credit: John Batanudde
One player that involves no debate in this selection is Muhammad Shaban.
The striker leads the goal scoring charts with 15 goals which is nearly half of what the entire Villa squad has managed.
Right Wing – Ettiene Katenga
Ettiene Katenga Credit: John Batanudde
The brightest of the foreign legion at Lugogo who has revived his game under Mubiru.
The Angola – DR Congo player has pace, trickery, can create and also score goals and has the intelligence to play either on the right or left of attack.
Left wing – Jonah Patrick Kakande
SC Villa’s Patrick Jonah Kakande celebrates
Many have already crowned him the season’s MVP with the league still in the final bend.
Kakande has been everything Villa wants from an attacking player and a menace to the defenders.
The diminutive youngster leads the scoring charts for Villa with 8 goals and has assisted several. Not many fullbacks fancy facing him on his day.
Summary XI: Emojong, Gavin, Achai, Ssemakula, Odong, Sserunjogi, Fadiga, Lutalo, Shaban, Kakande Katenga
Do you agree?
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