By Robert Kayindi James
Sports Club Villa unveiled their new squad ahead of the new season on Tuesday in a ceremony held at Lake side Hall of Jenvine Hotel, Wakaliga in Kampala. The event was graced by club president Eng. Immanuel Ben Misagga and the CEO Ivan Kakembo along with a few selected fans.
The unveiled squad included 11 new players among which was goalie Yasin Mugabi from KCCA FC, who according to the Kasasiro boys management was released to Sadolin Paints. Mugabi finished off last season with The Saints FC on a 6-month loan spell.
The 11 new players were joined by the 19 old players retained from the previous squad after the club released 11 other players.
The 9-time Uganda Cup winners kicked off their preseason training yesterday at the Villa Park in Nsambya.
Old players retained: Ashadu Bugembe, Samson Kirya (goalkeepers), Patrick Mbowa, Henry Katongole, Yesseri Waibi, Taddeo Lwanga, Ambrose Kirya, Denis Kamanzi, Robert Achema, Abdul Karim Kasule, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Ramathan Kateregga, Umar Kasumba, Martin Kizza, John Adriko, Yubu Bogere, Ramathan Dudu, Mike Ndeera and Mike Sserumaga.
Players released: Nicolas Ssebwato, Steven Odong (goalkeepers), Jonathan Mugabi, Misi Katende, Isaac Muleme, Fahad Tokko, Sulaiman Ochero, Karim Ndugwa, Derrick Wasswa, Hakim Kizito Kayongo, Abdul Ssebuliba.
New Players: Benard Muwanga (from Bright Stars), Ayub Kisaliita (Lweza), Joseph Nsubuga (Bright Stars), Yasin Mugabi (KCCA FC), Michael Owinya (Kyambogo University), Edward Kawooya (Kapeeka Black Bufaloes), Francis Mayiga (Busiro Ssaza), Swalidad Muhammed (All Stars, Arua), Vitalis Tabu (Onduparaka), Ali Magomu Okitto (Junior side graduate) and Alex Ssemuyaba (Busujju Ssaza).