KCCA host Nyamityobora
Dribbling wizard Okello. Mutebi has an attack-minded team that should do the job today. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
Soccer: Mutebi’s coaching stock has grown in leaps and bounds since he guided KCCA to their maiden Caf Champions League group stage and the murmurs saying he could head to Vipers, coming days as the Kitende-based sideprepare for the continental adventure against El Merrikh next week, will raise a few hairs.
KAMPALA. KCCA manager Mike Mutebi has lent credence to recent media speculations that he may swap Lugogo for Kitende by letting the cat out of the bag he has had a lengthy chat with Vipers patron Lawrence Mulindwa.
Mutebi’s bold revelation on Friday as he addressed the media ahead of this afternoons Starimes Uganda Premier League date with minnows Nyamityobora adds fuel to reports that he could be being lined up to replace Mexican tactician Javier Martinez Espinoza who is yet to stamp to stamp his authority at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende since joining in August.
“I’m the KCCA manager but that doesn’t stop me from conversing with people that have contributed to Ugandan football,” he began his narration.
“I had a chat with Lawrence (Mulindwa) on how far Vipers have progressed and I believe it is from that meeting that the rumour spread,” he revealed.
Mutebi’s coaching stock has grown in leaps and bounds since he guided KCCA to their maiden Caf Champions League group stage and the murmurs, coming days as Vipers prepare for the continental adventure against El Merrikh next week, will raise a few hairs.
“I’m not looking for a job. We need more than six clubs in order to develop and I will continue (meeting with key stakeholders) and I have done the same with the likes of Ben Misagga (while still SC Villa president,” Mutebi, without mincing words added.
He clarified that he is not ‘breaching any contractual obligations because he is a football consultant who is ready to render services’.
Without holding back, Mutebi reveals why it was Mulindwa of all club bosses; “I don’t want to sound praises but I think Mulindwa has done something (for football development); he has constructed a stadium which few can sacrifice to do.
“We have always talked about past football leaders but they have done nothing but in a space of 15 years but he has a lot. I’m talking as an adviser not as Vipers coach.”
Nyamityobora threat
With 15 points in the first seven games, the 12-time league champions host James Odoch’s Nyamityobora side that have managed just one win this season but Mutebi isn’t taking them lightly.
“It is not going to be easy. Nyamityobora are fighting for their lives and even when we start as favourites, we need to exemplify that on the field not on paper,” he said.
KCCA will be without injured stars Muzamir Mutyaba, Steven Sserwada, Filbert Obenchan and Gift Ali as they seek to close in on the leading pack.
