SC Villa head coach Zeljko Kovacevic has opened up on the major talking points from his side’s gripping 1-1 draw with Vipers SC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, shedding light on Sula Matovu’s bizarre red card, Patrick Jonah Kakande’s reduced involvement, and his team’s overall showing.
The Jogoos looked set for a statement victory after Frank Ssebuufu put them ahead, only for Usama Arafat to snatch a late equalizer for the Venoms. Despite the heartbreak, Kovacevic remained upbeat about the game’s quality and his side’s commitment.
“It was a very good game, both teams played well. I am happy with my team; what we do in training, they tried to do on the pitch today, but Vipers are a good team and tried to deny us space to operate in,” said the Serbian.
🔴(1-1)⚪️
A point to keep the Jogoos’ Unbeaten run going.#VIPSCV | @UPL #TheJogoos🔵 pic.twitter.com/gZ55EDhKSk
— SC Villa (@SCVillaJogoo) November 29, 2025
A critical turning point, he noted, came when defender Barasa Mangoli briefly exited for medical attention, leaving Villa exposed:
“We conceded a goal with 10 players. Barasa was injured and being treated when we conceded, and such moments are key in big games. If Barasa stayed on the pitch or if we made a substitution directly, it could have been a different story.”
Kovacevic admitted his side must be more ruthless in front of goal, stressing the importance of clinical finishing in heavyweight fixtures:
“We need to create more chances and convert the few we create. In such big games, you don’t get many chances.”
The match took another twist when substitute Sula Matovu, who never stepped onto the pitch, was shown a second yellow card for persistent protests. Kovacevic, however, defended the veteran forward’s passion:
“Sula is a motivational player. He is at the end of his career and wants to be a coach. Sometimes he can go beyond. He is my guy, no problem with him. I gave him support to speak with the guys, and that is my mistake, not his.”
🛡️ He was the defensive general! A commanding performance saw the backline perfectly marshalled.
🌟 Today’s Man of the Match is @Lubangaken256!
#VIPSCV | @UPL#TheJogoos🔵 pic.twitter.com/EuIawTWmz7
— SC Villa (@SCVillaJogoo) November 29, 2025
He also addressed the growing concern around teenage star Patrick Jonah Kakande, whose minutes have significantly dipped despite his standout displays over the last two seasons:
“When he returned from the national team, he had an injury, so he didn’t prepare for the season adequately with us. He couldn’t come and play big minutes. He is being given about 20–30 minutes in the second half, but he remains a good player,” he said. “After the new year, he will be in good shape and able to start games.”
