By Robert Kayindi James
League debutants, The Saints Football Club have this season branded themselves as the giant killers in the Azam Uganda Premier League (AUPL) as they continue to fight relegation.
The Moses Basena-coached side who host their home games at Namboole Stadium beat URA FC 1-0 away at Mehta Stadium in Lugazi before edging league leaders KCCA FC by 2-1 in April at Nakivubo Stadium and then condemning Sports Club Villa yesterday to a 2-0 defeat at the same venue.
Before yesterday’s defeat, the Jogoos were unbeaten in the league under the charges of head coach Ibrahim Kiirya since he took over from sacked Spanish manager, Antonio Flores in November last year.
Villa had played 15 league games, winning seven and drawing seven; scoring 17 goals and conceding just 7 in return and kept 11 clean sheets in the process. Kiirya has collected 28 points out of the possible 45 putting him at a winning percentage of 46%.
The loss however halted the ‘Blues’ title hopes who host leaders KCCA FC on Friday, while it brightened The Saints’ chances of staying in the topflight as they are now just two points away from safety.
Senkaba George’s double strike in the first and second half respectively was enough to earn his side maximum points that elevated them to the 12th spot on the table with 33 points from 27 games as Villa remained on 36 points from 22 games.