The affection between Kitara coach Wasswa Bbosa and his SC Villa opposite number Zeljko Kovacevic seemed mutual at the Kati Kati Restaurant presser in Kampala.
In turns, each tactician praised the other’s ability and experience to spring a surprise in what is expected to be a tensely contested Stanbic Uganda Cup final at the Fufa Technical Center in Njeru on Saturday.
It is not characteristic of Bbosa – formerly coach of SC Villa, Express, Victors, Tooro United and Gaddafi – to heap praise on his next opponent.
Yet here he was yesterday glorifying the Serbian’s tactical revolution at Villa and admitting that the final is simply too close to call.
‘We are ready and focused to win the final,’ Bbosa told the media in Luganda.
‘That said, SC Villa is a historic team with excellent players and a very good coach. We always plan according to what the opponent brings.
We want to go to the continent and, in the final showdown, the team that uses their chances better will win.’
Kovacevic equally appeared appreciative of the challenge Kitara have posed this season.
Villa edged the first-round league meeting 1-0 at Kadiba before The Royals responded emphatically with a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture at Butema.
‘We plan to face a good team with an experienced coach,’ Kovacevic said.
‘I expect a very difficult game but we believe we shall win. It will make me proud to win the final in my first season.
‘The change in final venue (from Kadiba to Njeru) didn’t affect us because both teams play on grass and will have to adapt to the artificial turf.’
No underdogs
Both coaches share the belief that whoever utilizes the available chances will prevail on the day, although neither was willing to reveal his preferred tactical approach.
The two camps also appeared to have a largely clean bill of health save for one or two doubtful fringe players.
Villa, nine-time winners who last lifted the trophy in 2015, are sweating over the fitness of left-back Kato Ssemayange.
However, Kovacevic has cultivated a culture where collective responsibility overshadows dependence on individuals.
Bbosa, who guided Express to the 2021 league and Cecafa Kagame Cup titles, is convinced his side will die trying to secure Kitara’s second Uganda Cup crown following their historic triumph under Brian Ssenyondo in 2024.
Whereas Villa breezed past URA 3-0 on aggregate in the semifinals, Kitara had to dig deep to eliminate holders Vipers over two grueling legs.
Bbosa believes that battle-hardened route could provide the impetus required in what promises to be a fiercely fought final duel with the Jogoos in Njeru.
Stanbic Uganda Cup
Final, Saturday
Kitara vs. SC Villa, 3pm