Kovačević demands better preparation as leaders Villa face unbeaten BUL Test
David GOMBE
SC Villa head coach Željko Kovačević has called for better preparation as the Jogoos prepare to face BUL FC in a top-of-the-table Uganda Premier League clash.
Speaking ahead of the contest at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru, the Serbian tactician admitted BUL remains the one opponent Villa failed to overcome last season and presents a unique challenge again this term.
“It’s the only team we didn’t beat last season and so we have to prepare better for this game and try to find a way of scoring goals,” Kovačević said.
The Jogoos and the Eastern Giants head into Tuesday’s game unbeaten, with Villa leading the table with 21 points in nine matches while BUL are sitting 2nd with 20 points from the same number of games. Villa are still hurting from a 2-1 loss to BUL in the reverse fixture at Njeru last season.
Kovačević also highlighted the familiarity in BUL’s camp, hailing Jinja-based coach Alex Isabirye and former Villa goalkeeper Braddy Wokorach.
“They have a very good coach and goalkeeper who was with us last season, so it’s going to be an interesting game,” he noted.
The Villa boss confirmed he has a full squad available apart from Aslam Ssemakula who is suspended after accumulation of three yellow cards, but the Serbian tactician is targeting nothing less than three points to extend their lead at the top. Villa beat Lugazi FC 2-1 to go top while BUL drew 1-1 with Entebbe UPPC in their previous game.
“We want to beat them and celebrate the three points after the final whistle,” he added.
Meanwhile, Isabirye, who played for SC Villa, knows the task at hand for his side.
“SC Villa is one of the most organised teams in the league and they are not table leaders by mistake. The game will not be easy but we have prepared well and I think we shall come out victorious,” Isabirye said.
Ironically the two sides have equal statistics in their previous 28 league meetings, with nine wins apiece and nine draws.
Meanwhile, third-placed NEC will welcome struggling UPDF at Lugogo while Kitara FC visit Police at Kamwokya in the other games on Tuesday.