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Bisaso, 39, is king when it comes to the knockout Masaza tournament and it is his ability to get the best out of the players by believing in his hardline ways on professionalism, mental toughness and humanity that defines him.

KAMPALA. Bright Stars and Proline will contest the final of the Stanbic Uganda Cup with either side looking to ink their name in history. Both sides are having their best season ever after Bright Stars reached the 40-mark point for the first time since they were promoted yet Proline have won their first silverware in their illustrious history.

Turning point
When Proline surprised Vipers at Lugogo, they were on course to historical moments. Their next opponent, Kyetume was at the time fighting a double pronged war with a place in the Fufa Big League play-offs at risk. Proline went to Nakisunga and defeated Kyetume 2-1 at their backyard. They were, however, surprised when Kyetume revenged the loss only to lose 4-3 on penalties.

Yet Bright Stars did not face serious opposition side until meeting Express in the semi-finals. Starting their quest with Kazo Excel Academy, their next assignment was away to Big League’s worst side Bumate, who however gave them a fight. A meeting against URA was completed by a double from new recruit Jamil Kaliisa and facing Nebbi Central in the quarterfinals was simply a routine win.
Kajoba hinted that lack that has seen them glide through will help them prevail in Masaka. “You need a lot of luck in knockout tournaments and I am hoping it will be our day,” he said.

Bisaso vs Kajoba
Bisaso, 39, is king when it comes to the knockout Masaza tournament and it is his ability to get the best out of the players by believing in his hardline ways on professionalism, mental toughness and humanity that defines him. Although Proline is a club with a happy-go-lucky attitude, Bisaso has instilled fighting qualities in his squad.
His team is built around academy players; like Joshua Okiror, Richard Ajuna (who has not missed any club games all season), David Owori, Noordin Bunjo and Joseph Mandela as well as national team player Mustapha Mujuzi, the club’s leading scorer in the Uganda Cup with three goals as well as youngsters Ivan Bogere, Bright Anukani and Hakim Kiwanuka.

Kajoba’s sides are naturally gritty yet this season they have played some eye catching football with Augustine Kacancu, Innocent Asiimwe, Brian Kayanja, Kokas Opejo, Juma Ssebadduka and Dan Birikwalira, among others excelling. Nelson Senkatuka is his leading marksman although he is yet to score in open play this season. The game could come so early for Jamil Kaliisa, who has the most goals, four, after returning to training this week. Kajoba is focused on shutting out Proline and restrain ther free-flowing football.

Senkatuka vs Bogere
Although Ivan Bogere is the leading marksman for Proline, goals have come from elsewhere. Defender Mujuzi has scored most of their goals this season yet Big League MVP Anukani is always happy to add a few others. Bogere is a wise attacker and Bright Stars will have to do a lot to stop him and his suppliers. Bisaso admitted that they will adopt a game suitable for a bumpy ground and physical side. For Bright Stars, most of their inspiration (either creating or scoring) come from Senkatuka. His pace is always a problem to the defenders but the youthful James Begesa is well drilled for such battles. Penetrating through the centre where veteran Ssaka Mpiima will be deployed is an option but Mujuzi knows Senkatuka so well. Senkatuka was once at Proline and always complained about Mujuzi’s rough play towards him in training.

Who comes on top?
This is an evenly matched tie. Bisaso admitted that the only difference Bright Stars has is playing in the top flight but he thinks their players are not better off. In the previous six meetings, Bright Stars have not won a game against Proline. Although all games have been in the Premier League, with Saturday’s meeting the first, Proline have been on the winning side twice. Kajoba admits the game could be decided after 120 minutes of football.

Head to head

Mar 13, 18: Bright Stars 0-0 Proline
Nov 28, 17: Proline 2-0 Bright Stars
May 6, 17: Bright Stars 1-1 Proline
Sept 10, 16: Proline 2-2 Bright Stars
April 1, 14: Bright Stars 1-1 Proline
Sept 27, 13: Proline 2-1 Bright Stars

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