Pride, money at stake for KCCA in Cecafa semi finals

The Gaffer. KCCA coach Mutebi know what is at stake today. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

What you need to know:

  • Pride aside, KCCA are still well within the money bracket with the champions set to pick $30,000 (Shs112m), runners up $20,000 (Shs74.9m) and third team $10,000(Shs37m) respectively.

KAMPALA. By one measure, the remaining part of the Cecafa Kagame Cup seems outright predictable.
Today’s semifinals feature two ‘traditional’ giants; Azam and KCCA and two new entrants; Maniema Union (DR Congo) and Green Eagles (Zambia). Each has a potential of lifting the trophy and cash prize considering their bumpy road to the semis and a mouthwatering final on Sunday lays in wait for whichever team progresses at this stage.

For ousting Rayon Sport at the quarterfinal stage, Mike Mutebi’s KCCA were awarded a semifinal date with Green Eagles that valiantly bundled out Kenyan giants 2-1 to get here. While defeating Proline and Heegan, the Zambians showed that they are an aggressive side capable of pushing KCCA to the limits and have made scoring goals their greatest asset.

Now that we are at the business end of the tournament where all four remaining teams are roughly equally likely to win, the 1978 winners are expected to engaged the second gear as Mutebi balances playing ‘beautifully’ and fielding a winning team.

KCCA backline of Charles Lukwago, Mustapha Kizza, Peter Magambo, Samuel Kato, Musa Ramathan is expected to remain intact but with new instructions to halt the gReen Eagles attack force of Kennedy Musonda, Tapson Kaseba, Spencer Sautu.
Mutebi is expected to have Muzamir Mutyaba, Gift Ali, Jackson Nunda, Allan Okello and Sadam Juma manning the midfield with Mike Mutyaba and returning Sadat Anaku leading the goal hunt.

If KCCA reach the final, a clash with either back-to-back winners Azam or Maniema Union awaits them on Sunday. Azam will have to dig deep if they are to eject the Congolese that shell-shocked Gor Mahia, the perceived favourites. Pride aside, KCCA are still well within the money bracket with the champions set to pick $30,000 (Shs112m), runners up $20,000 (Shs74.9m) and third team $10,000(Shs37m) respectively.

CECAFA KAGAME CUP
Semifinals - Today in Kigali
KCCA vs. Green Eagles, 7:30pm
Azam vs. Maniema Union, 4:30pm
Finals
Sunday, Kigali Stadium