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ANALYTICAL: CAN VILLA’S SYSTEM SURVIVE WITHOUT FLEXIBLE MIDFIELD MAESTRO DAVID OWORI

David Owori's journey from a drifter to SC Villa's most dependable player is capped by an AFCON call-up, but his absence leaves a critical hole against URA.

Analytical: Can Villa’s System Survive Without Flexible Midfield Maestro David Owori
Owori’s Hard-Won SC Villa Role Leads to Uganda Cranes Shot

After drifting between clubs like Vipers, Proline, Villa, Vélez CF in Spain, Utsiktens BK in Sweden, and even a period without a team, David Owori has finally found his footing.

Last Wednesday night at Kadiba, it felt like the perfect moment for SC Villa fans, and Ugandan football fans in general, to appreciate David Owori, the often-overlooked but crucial player in Zeljko Kovacevic’s system.

His roundabout career has shaped him into Villa’s adaptable player and one of the league's most important performers.

At 29, Owori has become an asset. He can play right-back, control the game from midfield, or move forward to link up attacks.

In Kovacevic’s system, he’s the key to keeping things moving, the player who anticipates plays quicker than anyone else. He's quietly become essential to Villa’s drive for an 18th league title.

That's why his absence tonight, as he joins the Uganda Cranes’ team for Afcon 2025, leaves a big hole.

Villa can manage without Reagan Mpande because they have Charles Lwanga, Frank Ssebuufu, Andrew Otim, and Patrick Kakande.

But replacing Owori is not easy. Kovacevic loses his most dependable player under pressure, his most flexible player, and the link through which the coach's high-energy style flows.

Frank Mulimi will likely fill in, but he doesn’t have Owori’s awareness, agility, or control—qualities Villa will miss as they attempt to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Maroons in Luzira.

With 17 points from nine games and in fourth place, the Jogoos need to avoid another slip-up if they want to stay close to the leaders.

Their opponents, URA, are struggling and hard to predict. They’re in ninth place with 11 points and lost 1-0 to Kitara last week. They haven’t found their rhythm this season.

But Villa-URA games are usually unpredictable, and their last five matches have been close. Tonight, URA will try to take advantage of Owori’s absence, knowing it weakens Villa’s setup.

David Owori's big chance

Meanwhile, the AFCON call-up is a big opportunity for Owori. He has a chance to challenge Toby Sibbick for the Cranes’ right-back position, compete for a midfield spot, and finally establish himself as a regular international player.

His tryout starts with friendlies against Gabon and FAR Rabat before Uganda plays Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria in Group C.

Earlier today at Bugonga Fisheries Ground, Abdallah Mubiru’s Entebbe UPPC, with 14 points, hosted seven-time champions Express (12 points) as both teams looked to gain ground on the leaders.

UGANDA NETBALL: SHE CRANES FOLLOW KENYA WIN WITH HUGE VICTORY OVER ZIMBABWE

The She Cranes secured a massive 60-38 victory over the Zimbabwe Gems, dominating after the first quarter tie. Uganda's second win sets up a clash with Namibia.

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She Cranes Crush Zimbabwe 60-38 in Africa Netball Cup

Uganda's She Cranes played a great game, beating Zimbabwe's Gems 60-38 in their second Africa Netball Cup match.

After a tied first quarter, the She Cranes took charge and won their second game in a row in Lilongwe, Malawi.

The first quarter was close, ending 12-12, which hinted at a tough match. But Uganda quickly turned things around and controlled the next three quarters.

After narrowly defeating Kenya 46-45 in their first game, the She Cranes began the second quarter by scoring off an early turnover to take a two-goal lead. They kept the pressure on the Gems, forcing three turnovers in four minutes, but Zimbabwe managed to stay close.

As halftime approached, defenders Gloria Aya and Shaffie Nalwanja made important intercepts, helping Uganda increase their lead to 26-20 at the half.

In the third quarter, Uganda really found their groove. The defence, with Shaffie, Aya, and Kadondi, was tough, causing many turnovers as Zimbabwe struggled with Uganda’s intensity. Lillian Achola's entry at wing attack brought speed and accuracy to the shooters, and the Gems had no answers.

Goal shooter Shadia Nassanga's accurate shots helped Uganda increase their lead, outscoring Zimbabwe by a large margin and entering the final quarter ahead 45-26.

In the final quarter, the She Cranes kept up their strong defence and smooth play. The Gems seemed overwhelmed and made more mistakes. Uganda could have won by an even bigger difference, but a slight lack of focus on offence in the last five minutes caused them to lose three centre passes. Even so, Nakitto's fresh energy on defence made sure Zimbabwe never caught up.

Uganda easily secured a 59-38 win, their second in two games.

The She Cranes will now rest before playing Namibia on Thursday to finish their group games.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, plays Zimbabwe tomorrow after beating Botswana 40-39 earlier today in their first match.

DONE DEAL: UGANDA CUBS STARS JAMES BOGERE & HAMZA SENGOOBA SIGN PRO CONTRACTS WITH DANISH LEADERS AGF

Ugandan youth stars James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba have signed their first long-term professional contracts, joining Danish Superliga leaders Aarhus GF's U19 team in February 2026.

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Bogere's AFCON Prep Before Joining AGF U19S.

James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba, two rising Ugandan soccer players, are moving up fast. They just signed their first pro contracts with Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF), a top club in Denmark.

Two teenage soccer players from Uganda are heading to Europe. Bogere James and Sengooba Hamza, both from El Cambio Soccer Academy and Masaka Sunshine Football Club, have signed transfer deals to play for Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF). AGF is currently in first place in the Danish league. El Cambio shared their excitement on social media, saying they're excited to see what the future holds for these young men.

Both players were part of the Uganda Cubs team that played in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Bogere had some great moments, including scoring two goals during group play to help the team advance. He scored against Canada and France, and Uganda made it to the round of 32 before losing to Burkina Faso. Ssengooba, a defender, also played well during the tournament.

Bogere is now with the Uganda Cranes team, getting ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

About AGF Aarhus:

Full Name: Aarhus Gymnastikforening

Location: Aarhus, Denmark

Nicknames: De hviie (The Whites), Byens hold (The City’s Team)

Home Field: Ceres Park (Aarhus Stadium)

Men’s Team: Plays in the Danish Superliga, coached by Jakob Poulsen

Current Status: They’re leading the Danish Superliga with 40 points from 18 games (12 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses).

History: They’re one of the oldest clubs in Denmark and have won a lot of trophies.

With AGF doing so well in Denmark and these talented Ugandan players joining them, it will be interesting to see what happens with Bogere and Sengooba

Bogere James and Hamza Sengooba are joining AGF in Denmark during the next transfer window.

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