By Spy Uganda
Saturday May 27th, 2023, marked the highly anticipated final day of the 2022/23 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season, and it certainly delivered on its promise of excitement and unpredictability.
The day witnessed a series of astonishing outcomes, with the team in first place ending up in third, while the second-placed team managed to secure the coveted top spot.
A total of 11 goals were scored across three matches, ultimately determining the league’s champion and providing a fitting finale to the season.
Adding to the thrill of the occasion, a helicopter made a grand entrance at St Mary’s Stadium to deliver the coveted trophy. Given the various permutations on the final day, including Lugogo and Wankulukuku as potential venues, the destination of the trophy remained uncertain until the last moment.
Villa, entering the final match with the requirement of a victory against URA to secure the championship, faced a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat at home against the Tax Collectors, thus dashing their hopes of claiming the title.
In the end, Vipers showcased their dominance by overpowering Busoga United with an impressive 5-0 victory, securing the top position and becoming the champions of the league.
Victory by Vipers SC marked a significant milestone for the team as it was their first successful defense of the league title, making it their sixth championship win.
On the other hand, Villa, who were on the verge of ending their 19-year wait for a league title, experienced a dramatic downfall, slipping from first place to third, finishing just one point behind Vipers and KCCA. Notably, Villa’s dream was ended by coach Sam Timbe, the same individual who led Villa to their last league triumph in 2004.
Meanwhile, at Lugogo, young talent Rogers Mato stole the spotlight, delivering an outstanding performance for KCCA FC.
Mato scored an impressive four goals, finding the back of the net in the 48th, 61st, 88th, and 94th minutes, with his fourth goal coming from the penalty spot. Charles Lwanga also contributed to the thumping victory with a goal of his own.
Vipers and KCCA finished level on 53 points, but Vipers’ superior goal difference ultimately gave them the edge.
In another match, relegated Blacks Power emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Express, courtesy of goals from Daniel Otim, Dickens Okwi, and Robert Eseru. Allan Kayiwa scored Express’ consolation goal, securing his position as the season’s top scorer with 13 goals, one more than Villa’s Charles Bbaale.
Elsewhere, Arua Hill triumphed over Wakiso Giants with a lone goal from Innocent Media, while relegated Onduparaka showcased their prowess with a convincing 4-1 win over UPDF on the soldiers’ home turf in Bombo. Gasper Adriko, Rogers Okumu, Dominic Abonga, and Boy Fazilino all found the back of the net for Onduparaka, while Jibril Nsimbe scored UPDF’s consolation goal.
