By Samuel Opio
The second round of the Azam Uganda Premier League is back this Saturday as seven fixtures will be played across the country.
It is the contrasting fortunes of the big name clubs which will be in sharp focus as SC Villa plot to tighten their grip on the top spot in pursuit of a first league title in 14 years, Express FC will be starting what could be their final five months in the top flight for now. Yet for Vipers SC and KCCA FC (missing in action due to continental engagements), it will be an attempt to recover after an underwhelming first round by both.
The league leaders SC Villa have a chance to drift six points away from KCCA when they play host to mid-table Maroons FC at their Masaka Recreational Stadium where they have not lost a game all season.
Vipers being in the third place and six points behind, coach Wasswa Bbosa will expect maximum points to retain his impressive advantage. With no exits during the most recent transfer window and three new recruits SC Villa are for the first time in a long time looking in better shape than their challengers.
Lawrence Mulindwa, Vipers FC club owner said his side “entirely” worked on the first round and said the opening second round test away against Soana is less than ideal, even though the addition of veteran former cranes midfielder Dan Sserunkuma to beef up the attack promises more potency.
But if you worry for the 2015 champions, spare a thought for Express, second from bottom, and who travel to Arua to take on Onduparaka at a ground where they have not lost in three years.
Azam UPL Fixtures: Saturday, February 10
BUL FC vs URA FC– Kakindu Stadium, Jinja
Masavu FC vs UPDF FC – Fisheries Training Institute, Entebbe
Onduparaka FC vs Express FC– Green Light Stadium, Arua
Police FC vs Mbarara City – Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
Proline FC vs Kirinya-Jinja SS – Star Times Stadium, Lugogo
SC Villa vs Maroons FC – Masaka Recreational Stadium, Masaka
Soana vs SC Vipers – Kavumba Recreational Stadium
Azam Uganda Premier League Table 2017/18
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sc Villa Jogoo | 15 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 16 | 6 | 10 | 32 |
| 2 | KCCA FC | 15 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 28 | 9 | 19 | 29 |
| 3 | Vipers SC | 15 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 18 | 11 | 7 | 26 |
| 4 | Onduparaka FC | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 11 | 3 | 25 |
| 5 | Police FC | 15 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 17 | 13 | 4 | 24 |
| 6 | Maroons FC | 15 | 4 | 9 | 2 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 21 |
| 7 | URA FC | 15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 20 |
| 8 | Bright Stars FC | 15 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 10 | 11 | -1 | 19 |
| 9 | Mbarara City | 15 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 10 | -2 | 19 |
| 10 | Soana FC | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 15 | -7 | 19 |
| 11 | Kirinya Jinja SS | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 14 | -3 | 18 |
| 12 | Bul FC | 15 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 13 | -4 | 18 |
| 13 | Proline FC | 15 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 17 | 18 | -1 | 17 |
| 14 | Masavu FC | 15 | 4 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 25 | -16 | 14 |
| 15 | Express FC | 15 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 8 | 14 | -6 | 11 |
| 16 | UPDF | 15 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 23 | -10 | 10 |
