KCCA coach Mutebi says big boys know when to adjust

Kampala.

As KCCA prepare for an almighty Caf Champions League clash with Ethiopia’s St George at StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo tomorrow, manager Mike Mutebi denies the Ugandan champions have lately deviated from their self-acclaimed passing and attacking football.
KCCA played a fairly cautious game in Addis Ababa to run away with a goalless stalemate.
They had a fair share of possession and even had a one-on-one opportunity which Paul Mucureezi did not burry, whereas Derrick Nsibambi also struck the bar.
The hosts also had their own chances and will have been frustrated by KCCA’s measured approach, which Mutebi’s critics argue was ‘parking the bus;’ going against the clubs ethos.
But Mutebi, who says they will be more of themselves at home tomorrow in a match that would take the club to the competition’s group stage for the first time if they win, argues that what transpired in Addis Ababa was not ‘parking the bus’ but just change of strategy for the prevailing circumstances. “We still played our way,” insisted Mutebi, “But this time very defensive off the ball, we also managed the ball only that we did that in our half, in positions we could not hurt them.
“When we say ‘our way’ away from home it does not mean we go all out. You need to be disciplined off the ball. Our management of the ball has now improved.”
Mutebi adds that at this stage, you cannot afford to be careless. “At this level,” he told Daily Monitor, “Big boys know when to play well, when to attack, when to be careful, when to use the ball. “I think we used the ball well, defensively, when we had it. Only that new did not use it to hurt them. Now, that is not parking the bus.
“I believe and am confident that on Saturday, we have enough to win the game playing our way, but no matter the case, we must stay on the continent year in, year out.”
St George, with Ugandan Cranes goalkeeper Robert Odongkara the most recognizable face, arrived in the country yesterday and will get a feel of StarTimes Stadium today ahead of tomorrow’s match.
The winner tomorrow will qualify for the group stage of the Champions League, while the losers will endure a play-off to qualify for the Confederation Cup group stage.