KCCA still the team to beat, youngsters dazzle

KCCA were last week crowned champions as the 2017 Azam Uganda Premier league drew to a close. While there remains plenty of work to be done there was improvement in organisation of the past season. There also remains the curious case of the second-rate Shs7m prize money that the winners earned.
For now however we look at the major talking points on the field of play.

KCCA still miles ahead
KCCA finished eight points ahead of nearest rivals SC villa to retain their Azam Uganda Premier League title.
For many however, the gap seems bigger when you look at the way the two clubs or the other 14 teams that made up the league are run.

Apart from the structured management, the Lugogo-based side have exhibitted good communication and there always give the impression of a stable club on and off the pitch even if the turnover of players remains high.

Manager Mike Mutebi looks to be at the club for more years to come and works with up to six coaches to help prepare the team.
The same cannot be said of Villa, Vipers and URA the teams that finished just below them and who all changed coaches this season with the former employing three different coaches in the past campaign.
Onduparaka lives up to the hype
They showed a glimpse of what to expect as the club’s fans thronged various grounds on their way to topflight league promotion. The West Nile based club’s fans have maintained that enthusiasm throughout the season making the Betway Gereenlight ground a fortress and ensuring the only unbeaten home record.
Fluctuating refereeing standards
Fufa referees standing committee (FRSC) too cracked the whip on Musa Balikoowa and centre referee William Oloya in the first round by suspending the pair for the rest of the season.

While the punishment appeared severe with the decision later rescinded, failure to take action in the second round with some officials was as unfortunate as some of the calls they made.

As Bright Stars battled to avoid the drop they will look back at games when David Oula made atrocious decisions in awarding penalties for the first goals of their games against Villa and Express.
Sserunkuma defies critics
As KCCA won the league in 2015/2016, the team’s goalscorers were Muzamir Mutyaba and Joseph Ochaya with seven goals each prompting coach Mike Mutebi to go in search of proven goal-scorers in Robert Ssentongo and Geoffrey Sserunkuma.

While the former blew hot and cold, Sserunkuma defied critics by scoring 21 times, the most goals since Peter Senyonjo scored 22 for Police in 2009. There can be very few doubts about him being the best player this season.
New crop of youngsters
The first round of the league bestowed upon us Onduparaka’s Muhammad Shaban who scored nine of his 13 goals in that period as well as the creative gifts of Allan Kayiwa and Safiq Kagimu.

While only Kagimu maintained his early season form that culminated into eight league goals and various assists, the second round saw various youngsters make the step up to their respective senior sides.

KCCA’s Allan Okello and Vipers’ Frank “Zaga” Tumwesigye lead the lot that also includes the likes of Godfrey Wasswa, Bashir Asiku, Peter Magambo and Tom Ikara.

Team of the season
Ismail Watenga (Vipers GK)- kept 14 clean sheets, the most in the league and formed part of the defence that conceded the least number of goals-18.

Musa Mukasa (Express)- could easily take the most improved player award. Has improved greatly at both ends providing good crosses to add to his ability to shut out opponents on the right side of defense
Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers)- good all-round ability from the Vipers center back who is a good tackler and comfortable in possession.

Mike Kawooya (Kirinya JSSS) – signed from Bul, the solid defender just edges out teammate Livingstone Mulondo and KCCA’s Habib Kavuma
John Adriko (SC Villa)- In a season where there have been no outstanding left backs, Adriko was given the nod ahead of Yeseri Waibi midway through the first round as he has not looked back.

Saddam Juma (Express)- showed up for the big matches and provided both goals and creativity and goals to an Express team that lacked depth. Long admired by Mike Mutebi, the midfielder’s reemergence saw him signed up by KCCA before the end of the season.

Taddeo Lwanga (SC Villa)– the SC Villa captain has led from the front adding a goal scoring threat to the good tackling and physical presence in midfield.

Shafik Kagimu (URA)- In a side that includes Saidi Kyeyune, Feni Ali and Elkhana Nkugwa all seasoned league players, the laid-back Kagimu has been one of the first names on each team-sheet even after coach Ibrahim Kirya replaced Kefa Kisala at URA. He is comfortable on both flanks and can also play through the middle.

Muhammad Shaban (Onduparaka)- A combination of injuries and a drop in form saw him score only four second round goals but he represents everything about Onduparaka. A never-say-die attitude that is added to a keen eye for goal
Emmanuel Okwi (Villa)- Almost single handedly dragged Villa to the title scoring 10 of the team’s 18 second round goals in only 11 games.

Geoffrey Sserunkuma (KCCA)- that he tripled the tally scored by KCCA’s lead scorers lasts season tells you his importance to KCCA retaining the league, not to forget his telepathic understanding with Derrick Nsibambi.
Notable exclusions
Tom Ikara (Kiirinya-Jinja,) Muzamir Mutyaba(KCCA) Godfrey Lwesibawa (SC Villa) Habib Kavuma (KCCA) Tony Odur (Vipers).