Luanda Villa FC, a team from Vihiga County, has captured the spotlight in its debut season in the National Super League (NSL), challenging expectations and impressing fans.
Despite facing financial hurdles that often afflict football teams, Luanda Villa has emerged as a formidable contender in the NSL, securing the seventh position with 23 points, having lost only one game at the mid-season mark.
The journey of Luanda Villa, based in Luanda and playing at Mumboha Sports Ground, has been a rollercoaster spanning nearly two decades. Established in 1996, the team underwent transformations and encountered financial challenges that led to its dissolution in 1998. However, football enthusiasts in Luanda rallied to revive the team in 2019.
Moses Abwenje, the current club chairman, shared insights into Luanda Villa’s history, recounting the decision to adopt the name “Villa” in 1996 after witnessing the passionate support of Uganda Villa fans during the CECAFA Club Championship. The team, formerly known as Nyuki FC, joined the Western Zone A KFF League, showcasing promise and finishing sixth in their initial campaign.
However, challenges arose in 1998 when key strikers Francis Chinjili and Jack Ayimbo attracted interest from Mumias Sugar and AFC Leopards. The subsequent disputes and mismanagement strained the team, leading to its eventual dissolution in 2002.
In a twist of fate, Luanda Villa found an opportunity in 2019 when financial struggles faced by Wolves FC opened a slot in the Division Two League. Tom Tera assumed leadership, and the team secured promotion to Division One, ultimately earning a spot in the National Super League.
Abwenje acknowledged the financial constraints affecting Luanda Villa, leading to delayed allowances and occasional disruptions in the team’s performance. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about the team’s future and emphasized the need for collective efforts from fans and well-wishers to address the players’ needs.
As Luanda Villa continues its impressive run in the current NSL campaign, Abwenje envisions promotion to the Premier League and believes that with sufficient support, this dream can become a reality. The team’s resilience and determination serve as an inspiration for other aspiring football clubs facing similar challenges.
