Ssentongo leads Kyetume to Uganda Premier League
Vicent Kayizzi from Kyetume FC tussles it out with a Kansai Plascon player in the Big League final at the weekend. Inset is Robert Ssentongo who scored two goals. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
- Benson Tahomera lashed in the opener before Edrisa Kabazango gave Kyetume a 2-0 first half lead.
KAMPALA. Kyetume earned the third and final slot to next season’s Uganda Premier League after a 4-1 victory over Kansai Plascon in the final of the Big League playoffs played at the StarTimes Stadium Lugogo on Saturday evening.
The victory was particularly pleasing for the Mukono based side who eventually failed to achieve direct topflight league promotion despite making several additions to their roster at the start of the second round.
Having completed the first round in third position, Kyetume added coaches Jackson Mayanja and Big League specialist Allan Kabonge as Alex Isabirye replacements.
They also brought in former Cranes internationals Robert Ssentongo and Patrick Ochan to add to an already experienced cast that included Vincent Kayizzi, Owen Kasule, Geoffrey Buni, Elkhana Nkugwa.
They were rewarded handsomely with Sentongo scoring the final two goals in the playoff final on Saturday to break Kansai Plascon’s resistance and earn the final qualification spot after Proline and Wakiso Giants.
“If we had failed to qualify, then I would have failed on my task because I initially used this team to try and get my International Transfer Certificate from Ethiopia but I was delayed. By the time I received it I either had to sit out of the season or play for them and we agreed for me to play for them eight games minus the Uganda Cup and was paid my lump sum to achieve promotion,” Ssentongo recounted. They were second best against a Plascon side that hogged more possession but lack the cutting edge.
Benson Tahomera lashed in the opener before Edrisa Kabazango gave Kyetume a 2-0 first half lead.
Ssentongo then took charge robbing Moses Kibirige of the ball before squeezing a shot past Zakaria Nsubuga. He then made it 4-0 to Kyetume on 72 minutes from a Kayizi assist to put the result beyond doubt.
“I’ve achieved the promotion and I’m happy. I also recommended some players because I told them the task needed more experienced players,” Sentongo added.
Even the advice on which coaches to be recruited after Isabirye had left,” Ssentongo further explained.
They joined Proline who used a Bright Anukani effort to see off Wakiso Giants in the Big League championship game.
BIG LEAGUE TOURNEY
CASH PRIZES
Champions: Proline FC (Shs10m)
1st Runners-up: Wakiso Giants (Shs5m)
2nd Runners- up: Kyetume (shs3.5Mm)
Golden glove: Ivan Mutumba (Shs1m)
Golden boot: Ivan Bogere (Shs1m)
MVP: Bright Anukani (Shs1m)
