SC Villa prepares for CECAFA Club Championship in Group C.
Villa aims to add a fourth title to legacy.
Coach Stojanovic leads rigorous training at East High.
Gor Mahia faces tough competition in Group B.
The anticipation is high as SC Villa, Uganda’s celebrated football club, prepares for the CECAFA Club Championship from July 9-21. With the matches set at the Azam Complex in Chamazi and the KMC Stadium in Kinondoni, SC Villa’s participation marks another chapter in their illustrious history.
The Path to Representation
SC Villa earned their spot in the championship by clinching the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League title. This victory solidified their place among the elite teams in East and Central Africa.
Group C Challenge
Placed in Group C, SC Villa will face formidable opponents: APR FC from Rwanda, Singida Black Stars FC from Tanzania, and Al Merriekh Bentiu from South Sudan. Each team brings unique strengths and challenges, promising a thrilling group stage.
- APR FC (Rwanda): Known for their tactical discipline and strong defensive setup, APR FC will be a tough opponent. Their experience in regional competitions adds to their formidable presence.
- Singida Black Stars FC (Tanzania): With a blend of youth and experience, Singida Black Stars FC will look to leverage home advantage and fan support.
- Al Merriekh Bentiu (South Sudan): The underdogs of the group, Al Merriekh Bentiu, will be eager to prove themselves on a larger stage, making them a potential surprise package.
Legacy and Aspirations
SC Villa boasts a rich history in the CECAFA Club Championship, having won the title three times. Their victories in 1987, 2003, and 2005 have cemented their legacy as one of the region’s top clubs. This year, they aim to add a fourth title to their collection and continue Uganda’s recent dominance in the tournament. The last two championships were won by Ugandan teams: KCCA FC in 2019 and Express FC in 2021.
Preparation Under Stojanovic
Under the watchful eye of coach Dusan Stojanovic, SC Villa has been intensively preparing for the championship. Training sessions at East High in Ntinda have been rigorous, focusing on both physical fitness and tactical acumen.
The Broader Picture: CECAFA Club Championship Overview
The tournament features twelve teams divided into three groups of four. The top team from each group, along with the best runner-up, will advance to the semi-finals.
- Group A: Coastal Union FC (Tanzania), Al Wadi FC (Sudan), JKU SC (Zanzibar), Dekedaha FC (Somalia)
- Group B: Al Hilal (Sudan), Gor Mahia FC (Kenya), Red Arrows FC (Zambia), Djibouti Telkom FC (Djibouti)
- Group C: SC Villa (Uganda), APR FC (Rwanda), Singida Black Stars FC (Tanzania), Al Merriekh Bentiu (South Sudan)
Gor Mahia in the Group of Death
In Group B, Kenya’s Gor Mahia faces a tough draw against Al Hilal (Sudan), Red Arrows (Zambia), and Djibouti Telecom FC. Dubbed the “Group of Death,” this group will test Gor Mahia’s mettle as they aim to end a 39-year drought in the Kagame Cup. Under new head coach Leonardo Neiva, Gor Mahia plans to use this tournament as a springboard for the CAF Champions League qualifiers in August.
