SWIFT SPORTS TEAM
The 2022/23 season will go down in history as one that no body wanted to win.
SC Villa who were not tipped by anyone to challenge the title find themselves in top place , two points above defending champions Vipers SC and initial favourites KCCA FC with just a game left.
In fact, after match day 26, Villa were ahead of KCCA and Vipers by just a single point but the later two had more than 3 games in hand which they failed to take advantage of.
Facing a rejuvenated URA side on Saturday makes things even more complicated with Vipers and KCCA waiting in the wings for a potential slip up for the Jogoos.
That however will not stop us from picking a team of those players whom we think performed better than the lot albeit a honestly average season.
Goalkeeper
Simon Tamale, Maroons FC
Joined Maroons from Soltilo Bright Stars at the start of the season following their promotion to the Uganda premier league.
The former Police FC custodian has managed 12 clean sheets and 5 MoTM awards. He has been very instrumental in ensuring that Maroons not only maintain their topflight status but also earn a respectable top 5 finish.
2. Grant Mastiko
In his second topflight season, the former Kigezi Home boys defender has adjusted well to the demands of topflight football.
He compliments his tough game with some well timed forward runs and some good deliveries from the right flank.
Despite a turbulent spell experienced by Wakiso Giants, Mastiko never experienced a fall in form. He takes our place at right back.
3. Dennis Kaka Umonyi
Another youngster who staked his claim this season.
He made the best of the injury that befell Simon Semayange to his full advantage early in the season.
The former Mbarara city and Nyamityobora youngster has been one of the beneficiaries of Asaph Mwebaze’s astute and expansive coaching style.
4. Hilary Mukundane
Mr. Ever present in the Vipers defense this season, injuries to senior defensive partners Livingston Mulondo and Murushid Juuko left him exposed to working with rookie Rogers Torach but he adjusted well and proved what a commanding figure he is.
Mukundane’s flexibility and ability to play along the back line make him any coach’s dream player.
5. Gift Fred
In his second season playing topflight football, Gift Fred joined Villa in August 2021 from then regional league side Booma FC after captaining Gomba to Masaza cup victory but has shown great composure, bravery and awareness characteristic of seasoned players.
He, alongside Charles Bbaale (Also his teammate in that Gomba winning side) have been by far Villa’s best performers.
6. Lawrence Bukenya
His best season since that 2018 show under Mike Mutebi where comparisons were drawn of him and former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
A dip in form saw him offloaded to Wakiso Giants onloan which was later made permanent. This term, he proved that he can come back to his best and also return to the national team.
His tandem telethepatic understanding with Hassan Senyonjo, Ibrahim Kasule and Moses Aliro created belief in many Wakiso Giants fans that a top place was tenable until that purple patch at the start of the second half happened.
He takes our number 6 role.
7. Milton Karisa.
Vipers talismanic captain, they suffered when he was out injured and recovered when he returned to fitness.
Scored a few vital goals and most notably the late winner against KCCA FC which saw them step foot on top of the table for the first time this term.
8. Laban Tibiita
With seven goals to his name, the little magician as the fans in Busoga love to call him, Tibiita has won as many man of the match awards as most of the men on this line up and he is credited for Busoga’s turn of fortune from the relegation first half of the season to their great escape.
Many had written them off but his impeccable drive and ability to find a pass where seems to be no way, Busoga defied odds and beat the drop to extend their stay for another season.
9. Charles Bbaale
This is Charles Bbaale’s first full season after struggling with a niggling knee injury that kept him on the sidelines for most of last season.
Bbaale has taken this season by storm and he is arguably the most valuable player after scoring 12 vital goals for Villa and he is in contention for the golden boot alongside Express’ Allan Kayiwa.
10. Allan Kayiwa
Express’ only shining light in what appears to be a disappointing season.
He has always stood up when the Red Eagles needed inspiration and his dead ball conversion ability make him standout.
A big surprise he has not been included in Micho’s preliminary 42 man squad preparing for AFCON qualifiers due for next month.
11. Fred Amaku
The former Kirinya Jinja S.S (Busoga United) diminutive striker has been a thorn in the foot of many teams that visited Luzira this term.
His tireless runs and ability to fight for aerial balls despite his diminutive stature make him unplayable.
One of the few players that managed to hit double figures this term.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Umar Lutalo, SC Villa
A key figure for Villa despite playing out of position, scored one of the goals of the season contenders against Wakiso Giants.
Ashraf Mandela, Vipers SC
Decent show and ever present
Isa Mubiru, Vipers SC
Successfully dislodged Disan Galiwango and proved his worth at left back
Kenneth Semakula, SC Villa
A very good organiser and put some exceptional shows, looks to have returned to perfect shape.
Innocent Media, Arua Hill
Arua Hill’s biggest performer with a host of important goals to his name. Slightly missed out on a place in the best eleven.
Shariph Kimbowa, Wakiso Giants
What a season the former Busoga United man has had, still in contention for the golden boot if he manages more than three goals in the final match. 9 goals is a decent return to warrant a serious mention.
Rogers Mato, KCCA FC
Started the season well but ran out of steam when the team needed him most towards the finishing line.
Rashid Toha, Arua Hill
The Arua Hill captain did well and scored some 5 goals, most of which were penalties.
Geoffrey Wasswa, KCCA FC
Did well in defense for KCCA but couldn’t make it into our best eleven
Andy Kyambadde, Soltilo Bright Stars
Soltilo Bright Stars captain has had a good season especially during that period when his team turned that corner which saved their season.