SC Villa have moved swiftly to secure the future of towering centre-back Arnold Odong, handing the defender a new three-year contract, as revealed on FUFA TV’s The Sportlight Show.
Odong’s previous deal expired last month, prompting the record champions to step in with an improved long-term agreement to keep one of their most dependable performers at the club.
The no-nonsense defender linked up with the Jogoos in 2023 and has since grown into a cornerstone of the backline, earning plaudits for his composure, aerial dominance and leadership at the heart of defence.
His impact was especially felt during Villa’s title-winning 2023/24 campaign, where he featured in 25 league matches and chipped in with two goals as the club powered its way to a historic league crown. Odong went on to make 24 appearances across competitions last season, form that earned him a well-deserved call-up to the Uganda Cranes squad for the CHAN tournament.
This season, however, the defender’s momentum has been stalled by a reported back injury, with Odong yet to make an appearance under head coach Zeljko Kovacevic. The technical team remains hopeful of his return as the second round of the league approaches.
Off the pitch, Villa have also seen movement in the squad, with midfielder Tony Atukunda completing a switch to NEC FC, as previously reported.
The 17-time league champions will resume their Uganda Premier League campaign with a tricky away assignment against URA FC on Valentine’s Day at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, as they seek to kick-start the second round on a strong note.
