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The record StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions have surprised many, rising from near oblivion to be involved in a title race that they could never have imagined of at the start of the season.
SC Villa assistant coach Ibrahim Kirya has urged supporters and his bosses not to lose perspective on how far the Jogoo have come, be patient and show their support to the team before they can genuinely think of winning titles.
The record StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions have surprised many, rising from near oblivion to be involved in a title race that they could never have imagined of at the start of the season.
But a paltry 1-0 defeat at high flying Maroons FC at the Prisons Grounds in Luzira on Wednesday complicated their title ambitions, as they missed a chance to open up a four point gap at the top of the league.
“We are still building the team, and that calls for more time to put it where we want it to be. Success takes time to be achieved,” Kirya said after the game.
“We appreciate the support from the fans and they shouldn't stop supporting the team but we ask them to be patient with us.”
Ronald Orombi score the only goal of the game with a shot from just outside the box, taking advantage of Villa's failure to clear the danger.
Despite numerous attempts by SC Villa to find an equalizer, they could not get past Maroons goalkeeper Simon Tamale, who put in an outstanding performance.
Villa came close to finding a late equalizer in the 80th minute when Patrick Kakande's powerful shot hit the post and Tamale picked the rebound.
“We gave it our best effort, and I am happy with how the players tried to fight back for the result, but it was that kind of game where it was not to be,” Kirya explained.
“We had our chances, and we should have taken them, but you have to give credit to their goalkeeper as well, he was brilliant on the day, and won the game for his side.”
With 46 points from 25 games, Villa remains on top but are only a point above KCCA who are second, and four points above Vipers in third, and have played two and three more games than the two respectively.
SC Villa had recently taken a step forward in their pursuit of the title by defeating Vipers at Wankulukuku, but this loss against Maroons is a step back for them.
With KCCA set to play Vipers in a rescheduled match this Friday, the result could further damage Villa's title ambitions.
Maroons, on the other hand, move up to fifth place in the league with 37 points, and a strong finish to the season could see them clinch their best position in recent years.
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