Kyetume, Plascon hit finals
Big hands. Kyetume goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa celebrates after helping his team reach the finals of the Fufa Big League final. He saved two spotkicks.
INSET: Kansai Plascon star player Allan Oryek. PHOTOS BY JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
- Lonyesi knows how to grind results. He sees this as a real opportunity to make a bold statement of a great season and hopes his star strikers Henry Kitegenyi and Robert Ssentongo Jnr are up to the task.
KAMPALA. Given that Kyetume are playing their cards for the second consecutive time to enter into the promised land of the Uganda Premier League, it is no surprise that they are favourites in today’s play-off final.
The challenge is far more demanding in Lugogo with Kansai Plascon making the standards relatively even.
Kyetume, who played as Lufula in the 1970s have been consistent and their progress this season wasn’t unexpected.
Kyetume started the season high with Alex Isabirye to credit. He however opted to join his friend Ali Ssekatawa at Nyamityobora. Turmoil crept in but a quick decision to hire promotion specialist Allan Kabonge, who had quit Entebbe, and legendary Jackson Mayanja, quickly turned around their fortunes.
The disappointment of losing last year’s opportunity under the guidance of Livingstone Mbabazi is the boost they are riding on.
Kabonge, who calls himself the ‘Messiah of Uganda’s football’ has not failed to promote a team to the top flight in the past three seasons after helping Paidha Black Angels last season via a similar path.
“We are confident of securing a place for this historical team in the Super League,” Kabonge stated.
He has a team loaded with experience. Goalkeeper Emmanuel Kalyowa has been around so is Owen Kasule, who lost his younger brother Jimmy Lule on Thursday, Patrick Ochan, Vincent Kayizzi, Robert Ssentongo and they will mix with the exciting talent of Denis Lubowa and Cephas ‘Tarzan’ Kambugu. But the Kansai Plascon fans have also witnessed a great season and coach Angelo Lonyesi is confident about the clash with Kyetume.
“We remain on course and we must prove that we have not been fluking teams,” Lonyesi said.
Lonyesi knows how to grind results. He sees this as a real opportunity to make a bold statement of a great season and hopes his star strikers Henry Kitegenyi and Robert Ssentongo Jnr are up to the task.
He is not worried either as Allan Oryek, Brian Oyuka and Edrine Kagende have Premier League experience.
The big question for both sides is who will appease the football gods to join Wakiso Giants and Proline.
Fufa Big League Playoff
THURSDAY Results - Spot kicks (SK)
Kyetume 2-2 Dove, (Kyetume 3-2 on SK)
UPDF 1-1 Kansai Plascon (Kansai 5-4 on SK)
