Mutebi clears out injury-prone players

KCCA manager Mike Mutebi has embarked on a comprehensive squad overhaul that could see several first team players depart the Lugogo-based league giants.

This newspaper understands those on the turning the exit knob at Lugogo include injury-prone midfielders Sadam Juma and Muzamir Mutyaba, as well as forward Mike Mutyaba, goalkeeper Jamal Malyamungu, and winger Simon Serunkuma.

Others are defensive midfielder Nicholas Kasozi who went AWOL in January has not been heard from by the club since, and midfielder Jackson Nunda and striker Erisa Sekisambu.

In an interview with Daily Monitor yesterday, the say-as-it-is tactician said they have already sealed moves for ‘young and ambitious players’ ready to step up and fill the boots of those deemed excess baggage.

“We have already notified these players that they are not in our plans and we wish them well. It is only left to the club CEO (Anisha Muhoozi) to give them farewell letters,” Mutebi said.

The tactician explained why each of the affected player was let go after a season in which KCCA finished second to Vipers in the league campaign that ended prematurely due to coronavirus pandemic.

“We thought that Muzamir [Mutyaba]would step up and lead the team after Allan Okello left but he is not making progress after five years with us. Mike [Mutyaba] tried his best but injuries have hampered his delivery,” Mutebi said of the two Mutyabas.

He continued; “Like Nunda, we gave Sadam a second chance but in three years they have both barely made 50 matches. They are ever in the sickbay and we can’t hold on anymore.”

Mutebi is of a view that Kasozi, hitherto a darling at Villa, failed because of ‘the fear to compete’ while he believes Sekisambu’s goals have dried out.

“Most of the players I’m driving out like Serunkuma have failed to impress me with the second chance I gave them. It is the right time that I clear out this generation and look at the next one,” he added.

Who comes in?
According to Mutebi, KCCA is in final stages to bring in Charles Lwanga (Villa), Ashraf Mugume (Vipers), Pius Obua (Maroons) and Bright Anukani (Proline).

“I tell you next season is going to be exciting and we shall be a hungrier side than this [just-ended] season. Just imagine those boys teaming up with Sadat Anaku, Steven Sserwadda, Sunday Ssenyonjo and Samuel Kato with Gift Ali, Julius Poloto and Charles Lukwago giving them guidance,” he boasted.

Mutebi still believes that KCCA had the chance to win the title in the remaining five games but hastily congratulates Vipers on their triumph.