Sombre mood as KCC begin title defence against Police

Musana dribbles past Entebbe Young’s Silver Matovu during the UPL game between Simba and Entebbe at Nakivubo on Saturday. PHOTO BY AMINAH BABIRYE

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Soccer. Clubs to observe a minute’s silence and wear arm bands before kickoff of all league games this week in honour of departed Simba defender Fahad Musana

KAMPALA. As KCC prepare to open their league title defence this evening, it will be difficult for anyone associated with football in the country not to spare a thought for the departed Simba defender Fahad Musana.
The player collapsed and died suddenly on Sunday while watching a premier league game hours after taking part in the club’s morning training session and featuring in their 1-0 victory over Entebbe FC, the previous day.
Consequently, according to the Uganda Premier League manager Paul Kabaikaramu the game between Soana and Simba, for whom the deceased featured, has been postponed to October 8.
The player’s body will be laid to rest today in Iganga
Three other games will, however, take place with champions KCC in action for the first time this season.
There have been lots of transfer activity at the club that include the return of fans favourite Brian Umony as well as the additions of midfielders Rogers Lukwiya, Owen Kasule, Cranes defender Richard Kassaga and goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi among others.
The defender signed from Kira Young is however expected to miss the game alongside midfielder Tom Matsiko who are ruled out with muscle problems according to coach George “Best” Nsimbe.
Nsimbe also revealed that Cranes winger Brian Majwega would also not take part in the game. “We expected him to have travelled last evening or this morning for trials at PSL side Supersport, stated Nsimbe.
They will be up against a Police side that lead the table after their opening 3-0 win over Rwenshama on Friday in which Umar Kasumba scored a brace.
The latter are also back in action against Express FC and will be buoyed by the presence of midfielder Ghadaffi Kiwanuka, who finalised his move from KCC.
Express will also be hoping for a first win of the campaign and better performances particularly from the experienced midfield trio of Willy Kavuma, Noah Ssemakula and Simon Sserunkuuma who looked average in the 2-0 loss to Kira Young.

Today’s fixtures in UPL
KCC FC Vs Police FC
Kira Young FC Vs BUL FC
Rwenshama Vs Express FC
Soana FC Vs Simba FC( postponed)

UPL- WHAT TO EXPECT TODAY

A game for defensive purists in Lugogo
Police will try to build on momentum gained from last Friday’s 3-0 win against Rwenshama when they visit KCC.
The visitors will try “not to lose it if they can’t win it.” KCC though will want to start their title defense on a high but will have to stop brace hero Umar Kasumba.
Stern test for big talker, Nkata
“This is a signal to other teams that if they take us lightly, they will regret,” Kira Young coach Paul Nkata, said after his side beat Express 2-0 away in Wankulukuku. Bul will certainly not take the Namboole-based side lightly, as they try to build on their one-all draw against Sadolin in the Jinja derby.
More caution on head injuries
The world over, extra caution has been called for, for players who get head injuries. Some stakeholders have demanded that such players don’t return to the pitch till the next game, at least. It has been confirmed that the late Fahad Musana, had a head injury during his Simba side’s 1-0 win over Entebbe at Nakivubo Stadium but returned to the pitch after medical attention only to faint more than 24 hours later.
Apparently after his favorite team English team Chelsea FC were stunned by former employee Frank Lampard’s equaliser. He also trained on Sunday morning but is there no connection between fainting and head injuries.
It is only safe if Uganda joined the campaign for extra caution with head injuries. Today’s UPL matches provide a huge platform for stakeholders to launch such a campaign.

Makhtum Muziransa
[email protected]