KCCA braced for Al-Merrikh test

By James Bakama 

CAF Champions League

Al-Merrikh v KCCA 

Confederations Cup 

Don Bosco v SC Victoria 

KCCA Football Club Patron Erias Lukwago acknowledges the fact that Al-Merrikh is one of Africa’s top clubs but insists that with determination, KCCA can triumph over the Sudanese giants. 

“Go and die a little for your country and victory will be yours,” Lukwago told KCCA players before their last training ahead of the CAF Champions League away preliminary encounter against Al Merrikh. The team departs this afternoon. 

He noted that with a good result in Omdurman, KCC would be assured of a big crowd in the return leg due next weekend at Namboole. 

“If you play well in Sudan, those of us who have remained in Kampala will mobilise Ugandans to fill up Namboole.” 

“KCCA is known for its kawoowo (attractive football). That should be maintained. I wish you good luck,” he told the attentive players and coaches at Namboole. 

Lukwago then offered sh 500,000 cash for the team’s refreshments. 

Lukwago told the players to emulate the club’s past stars like John Ross Latigo, George Nsimbe and Charles Katumba. 

Coach Nsimbe downplayed Al Merrikh’s richer pedigree. 

Citing KCCA’s recent victory in an international tournament in Zanzibar, he said his troops are set for battle. 

“My team is mentally and physically set. They (the hosts) aren’t any different from us, so any team can win,” he stated. 

Nsimbe said the last time the two sides met, KCCA lost not because Al-Merrikh were a better side, but due to reasons off the pitch. 

Nsimbe’s only worry would have been injured Hakim Senkumba but he observed that the midfielder was fast improving and had been included on the Omdurman bound contingent. 

Uganda’s other representative on the continent, Sports Club Victoria University, face DR. Congo side CS Don Bosco. They depart on Friday for Lubumbashi. 

The Omdurman bound KCCA team: Nicholas Sebwato, Salim Jamal, Richard Malinga, Ronald Kisekka, Fahad Kawooya, Ayub Kizza, Habib Kavuma, Ivan Ntege, Hakim Senkumba, Michael Birungi, Gadafi Kawnuka, Brian Majwega, William Wadri, Tony Odur, Rogers Aloro, Herman Wasswa, Steven Bengo, Saka Mpiima and Isaac Ntege.