By SWIFT SPORTS TEAM
This will most definitely go down in history as one of the most pulsating seasons of the Uganda premier league, thanks to the thrills and drama especially towards the business end.
With just a single a game to go, it is hard for one to determine who the overwhelming favourites to lift it are, especially with the events that happened on the final day of last season still fresh in our minds.
All the top 3 sides still have a massive chance to clinch it with Villa on 54, BUL and Vipers 53. Kitara too can’t be ruled out with a mathematical chance .
The Swift Sports team have covered the whole season and here we look out for the players that have worked heads and shoulders above the rest.
Tom Ikara, BUL FC
This hasn’t been a very good season for the net minders with not many of them making a louder shout.
Despite that judgement, Tom Ikara has managed over 11 clean sheets including two man of the match accolades and that makes him our safe bet in goal.
Kitara’s Chrispus Kusiima deserves a mention for bringing the much desired stability in goal.
Joseph Dhata, NEC
The South Sudanese international has been a stalwart in NEC’s first ever season in Uganda’s top flight league.
The former Vipers SC and Express FC defender did not only provide defensive cover for his team, but also helped them massively in the offensive. No wonder he is among the top scorers in the Stanbic Uganda cup. In the league, he has managed 6 goals and 4 assists in 26 games.
Rashid Okocha, NEC FC
The former Onduparaka FC “landlord” made the left back position his own which also earned him plaudits and recognition from FUFA president Eng. Moses Magogo.
His performances also earned him a call up to the Uganda national team and most recently, he received an invite to join the South Sudan national team.
He has so far managed 3 goals and 3 assists in 26 league appearances. Likely to switch allegiance.
Walter Ochora, BUL FC
The man mountain has been a defensive kingpin in the Eastern Giants’ most impressive quest for a maiden league title. He has played in 23 games and managed a single goal.
Kenneth Semakula, SC Villa
The talk of town is, Kenneth Semakula is ripe for an overseas contract. The former Busoga United player is one of the few ball playing center halves who can also comfortably play in midfield.
His high fitness levels have seen him play 27 games and he will mostly be remembered for scoring that late winner against URA FC.
Joel Sserunjogi, KCCA FC
The biggest beneficiary of Abdallah Mubiru’s appointment as head coach at KCCA FC, the youngstar repaid his coach’s confidence with performances way above his age and experience. Dictates play, comfortable on the ball and blessed with sharp vision.
He, alongside Arafat Usama and Mohammad Shaban have been the shining lights in a somewhat disappointing season.
Ronald Sekiganda, SC Villa
He missed last season through injury and the Jogoos missed him a whole lot.
Sekiganda has been the difference between last season’s title pretenders and this season’s genuine contenders.
A natural born leader, Sekiganda has helped Villa fight from losing positions to victories and the most important one was the impeccable victory over Wakiso Giants at Wankulukuku where they trailed 2-0 by half time.
He inspired a spirited comeback and also exhibited the same fire power when the Jogoos trailed URA FC days later. 3 goals is what he has managed so far.
Isaac Wagoina, Express FC
Express’ starman deserves a place in our team after scoring 14 league goals and 3 assists in his first season after joining from Busoga United.
He has played all their 29 games, no wonder he was a huge transfer prospect for KCCA during the January transfer window.
Denis Omedi, Kitara FC
In his first season at Kitara, the sharp shooter is a major reason why the new comers punched above their weight and challenged for the title.
He only joined from Big league side Booma FC and reciprocated his form to Kitara after managing 13 goals and 4 assists in 27 games.
Shaban Muhammad, KCCA FC
By far the best striker in the league, his 17 goals would have been good enough to win a league anyday but KCCA’s false start that saw them fail to win any of their opening 6 league matches spelt doom on their season.
Most likely to walk away with the top scorers’ boot.
Patrick Jonah Kakande, SC Villa
Our MVP of the season. The national U-20 youngster has exhibited maturity way above his age.
Kakande adds up for his lack of height with bags of skill, trickery and pace.
He has managed 9 goals and a host of assists. Whenever he failed to shine, SC Villa never turned up.
