Kirunda and 11 stars who played for SC Villa, Express and KCCA

The most conspicuous names in domestic club football are Villa, Express and KCCA.

In 1999, the three giants put aside their rivalry and formed an association which was tagged `VEK’. Given the bitter history amongst them, which was highlighted during the transfer windows, it was not a surprise when VEK collapsed a few years later.

Here is a look at the top players who featured for the three VEK sides from the 1970s to date.

JIMMY KIRUNDA

Kirunda is a Ugandan football icon and captained the national team, The Cranes, for a decade. The towering defender first featured for Express from 1969 to 1971 but switched to KCC FC from 1972 until 1982 when he moved to SC Villa.

GODFREY KATEREGGA

He was tagged `Super Star’ due to his superb football skills and charming character. He rose from KCC ranks in 1979 to become a top star. In 1985, he joined SC Villa until 1988 when he moved to Express where he stayed up to 1989.

GEORGE MUKASA

He first played for Nakivubo Boys (now SC Villa) during his formative years but moved to Express in 1969. The giant custodian later switched to KCC in 1971 where he became a star goalie for both the club and Uganda Cranes. He drew the curtain to his glittering career in 1979.

LIVINGSTONE MBABAZI

The midfield maestro joined SC Villa in 1996 where he displayed good football skills. However, his uncompromising character forced him out of Villa Park. He then moved to Express in 1998 before joining KCC in 1999.

MATHIAS KAWESA

He was unknown player until 1988 when he emerged the league top scorer with Nsambya FC. This alerted rivals and he moved to Coffee. KCC became the first VEK side to recruit him in 1992. The big striker later moved to SC Villa a year later. In 2001, Kaweesa joined Express, helping The Red Eagles to win the 2001 Uganda Cup title.

YUSUF SSONKO

The youthful player rose from the KCC ranks to become a solid defender in 1979. He joined SC Villa in 1984. After winning several major titles with the Jogoos, the no-nonsense player defected to Express in 1988 where he played two seasons before he relocated United Kingdom.

TIMOTHY AYIEKOH

The attacking midfielder had his formative years at Nakivubo Boys (SC Villa) until 1972 when he moved to Express, where he won two league titles (1974 and 1975). In 1977, he moved to KCC before crossing to Kenya’s Gor Mahia in 1979.

MOSES SENTAMU

He started his career at Nakivubo Boys in 1972 as a top prospect but was wooed to Express in 1974. However, former KCC goalie George Mukasa alerted KCC head coach Jaberi Bidandi Ssali about the talented player. Bidandi did not hastate to sign the diminutive winger, who later became a club legend.

IBRAHIM KIZITO

The giant striker joined KCC from Spear Motors in 1992 and became the club’s first choice striker. He joined Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) and emerged the 1995 league top scorer. He left the Jogoos in 1998 and joined Express in 1998.

MORLEY BYEKWASO

He started top-flight football at KCC, where he graduated to become a top player. He was wooed to Villa Park in 2002 until 2005 when crossed Rwanda-based Atraco. He returned home in 2009 to join Express.

NICHOLAS KASOZI

The midfield gem emerged from SC Villa in 2017 and became a key player for the Jogoos. However, when Immanuel Misagga threw in the towel as club President in 2018, Kasozi joined KCCA FC. He fell out with the club’s technical team and left. In 2021, he joined Express.

SADAM JUMA

He left Vipers in 2016 and moved to Express FC. The attacking midfielder later put pen to paper at KCCA in 2017. After the 2019/20 season, he left Lugogo and gave himself a sabbatical of one year. In 2022, he announced his deal with SC Villa. Honourable mentions include Moses Matovu (not of Afrigo band), Steven Bengo and Allan Kyambadde.

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