Record league champions SC Villa got their preseason campaign for the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League season underway on Monday with an early training session at East High School, Ntinda. The start of preparations comes under a cloud of uncertainty, as the club continues its search for a permanent head coach.
In the absence of a new managerial figure, Strength and Conditioning coach Ram Nyakana took charge of the session, leading drills and fitness routines as players reported back from the off-season break. Villa’s coaching vacancy follows the exit of Morley Byekwaso, who left the role at the end of last season.
The club’s plans for Serbian coach Nemanja Milincic collapsed just days after his unveiling, leaving fans and players alike in limbo. However, another Serbian coach has already arrived in Uganda and could be confirmed as Byekwaso’s successor today.
Notably, SC Villa began preseason without eight of their top talents, currently engaged with the national team. David Owori, Charles Lwanga, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Arnold Odong, Reagan Mpande, Aslam Ssemakula, Elvis Ngonde, and others are with the Uganda Cranes preparing for CHAN qualifiers.
With their sights set on bouncing back from a sixth-place finish last season, the Jogoos are targeting a stronger push for their 18th league crown—a record they still hold.
Looking ahead, the FUFA Super 8 tournament, scheduled for September 7–17, will offer Villa and other top-flight sides a competitive platform before the new UPL season officially kicks off on September 26. Fixture details are expected by August 26.
