Danito NSUBUGA
The Uganda Premier league will return tomorrow at the MTN Omondi Stadium with a befitting duel between two teams that are potential challengers for the title as KCCA FC host URA FC.
Whereas KCCA FC last won the league 5 years ago, the Tax collectors are even more thirstier for it having won it in the 2010/11 season and have been dubbed “Title pretenders” at the start every season since.
Here are five reasons why we think they will finally return to the helm of Ugandan football by the end of the 2024/25 season.
THE ACUMEN OF ALEX ISABIRYE
Having been appointed head coach in May this year, this was a serious statement of intent from the URA FC board albeit signing him on a seemingly short-term contract of 12 months.
“We are optimistic that Isabirye’s return will revive our glory days, with his vast experience and previous success with the team being seen as key assets” .
They said.
Alex Isabirye is the last URA FC coach to have lifted the most coveted prize in Ugandan football and when they felt they needed someone to end that drought, they looked no further.
He is a perennial winner and one of the most decorated coaches in the league having won four Uganda Cup titles, 2 league titles and one in Somalia.
His short stint with Express Fc won them enough points for them to stay in the league last term, successor Baker Mbowa only managed one victory in more than 10 matches.
A perfect organiser, Isabirye ‘s teams are always fit, never look tired and always hard to beat.
EXPERIENCED PLAYERS
URA have some of the most experienced players in the league including captain Hudu Mulikyi who has been at the club for more than 5 seasons.
Utility man Ibrahim Wammanah, wingback James Begisa Penza, striker Joseph Semujju and former Express FC captain Enock Walusimbi will be strong pillars in Isabirye’s squad.
Laban Tibita joined last season from Busoga United as one the biggest prospects in the league but his returns of one goal and 5 assists were a little disappointing. He is expected to rise up this term after being allowed to settle in.
THE NEW SIGNINGS
URA FC are one of the sides that have made some good business in the transfer season.
The acquisition of the highly rated Isma Mugulusi will strongly elavate their creativity and offensive fire power.
Derrick Ochan’s experience in goal will be a big plus while the arrival of the well travelled Bright Vuni from UPDF can’t go unnoticed. He is a robust defender whose aerial strength and fearless attitude will greatly improve URA’s defensive department.
Others are tricky winger Abraham Tusubira and the young blood of George Masembe and Faizo Matovu.
EARLY PREPARATIONS
When Isabirye was appointed in May, he was tasked with getting the team ready for the new season as soon as possible.
He was allowed to identify players that would be useful in his squad and let go of those not needed.
Long serving but not equally effective Saidi Kyeyune was let go and he was recently unveiled by Express FC. Vianey Sekajugo was let out to create room for the return of Sharif Kimbowa who was on loan at Wakiso Giants.
Najib Fesali, Ibrahim Dada and Ronald Andabati were also deemed surplus to requirements.
THE OPPOSITION
It will be tough for SC Villa to hit the heights managed last season. They lost title winning Dusan Stojanovic under unclear circumstances and a core of important players that helped them win the league were easily let go.
Gavin Kizito was dismissed by the club citing disciplinary reasons, while Umaru Lutalo, Kenneth Semakula and Joseph Kafumbe were allowed to leave following the expiry of their contracts .
Promising youngster Abas Kyeyune joined Ceremica Cleopatra in the Egyptian Premier League.
Replacements for these exits can not be relied upon to sustain a title defense.
KCCA FC have failed to find a dependable goalkeeper following the departure of Charles Lukwago. Anthony Emojong, Hamphry Oyirwoth and Mutwalibu Mugoloofa are unproven.
They lost top scorer Muhammad Shaban and his replacement Derrick Nsibambi is on a downward spiral.
Vipers SC will be expected to be the biggest challengers but it awaits to be seen if new coach Nikola Kavazović will manage organise the team and create unity and cohesion.
They had a somewhat silent transfer season with the arrival of young striker Kenneth Kimera being the only notable signing but the squad maintained is good enough to have a big shout. This could be Allan Okello’s biggest season in Vipers’ colours after arriving on big money last term.
BUL FC would be good enough to stake a claim but they hardly sustain 30 match run of form.
Kitara would be expected to make a shout too having shown great character and desire but their biggest undoing in the inconsistency especially while playing away.
Having won his maiden trophy last season, Brian Senyondo will be expected make his claim if would love his sit on the table of men.
