By Muhammad kisitu
SC Villa have reaffirmed their belief in Denis Ojara by handing the versatile player a new contract, despite the former Onduparaka star spending nearly three years on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.
Ojara joined the record Uganda Premier League champions in August 2023, but his dream move quickly turned into a nightmare. Just days after signing, he suffered a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) during a FUFA Super 8 pre-season clash against Maroons.
Ironically, the attacker had announced himself in style, scoring the decisive goal against the Prison Warders in the reverse fixture before the devastating injury brought his momentum to an abrupt halt.
The setback ruled him out of the entire 2023/24 campaign, denying him the chance to feature as the Jogoos lifted the league title. Following successful surgery and an extensive rehabilitation programme, Ojara returned to full training midway through last season and has now convinced the club he is ready for a competitive comeback.
His contract renewal reflects the confidence SC Villa have in his ability to rediscover the form that earned him a move from Onduparaka. Comfortable as both a centre forward and a centre back, Ojara offers coach Zeljko Kovacevic valuable tactical flexibility ahead of the new campaign.
For Villa, his return could prove as significant as a new acquisition. The club has already strengthened its squad with the arrivals of John Asiimwe and Isaac Gumperom, although it has also seen key forwards Elvis Ngonde and Charles Lwanga depart for rivals KCCA FC.
With Ojara back in contention, the Jogoos will hope his long-awaited return adds fresh quality as they target another successful season.
