How KCCA won the Super League

By James Bakama

KCCA cruised to a tenth FUFA Super League title on Tuesday after beating long-time rivals SC Villa 3-1 on the final day of the competition.

What was for most of the season a battle between defending champions KCCA, Uganda Cup holders Victoria University, Vipers and four time champions URA was reduced to a two-horse race in the final stretch.

So, what is it that made the Lugogo side stand out in the 2013-14 race? Below are some of the reasons that made KCCA tick.

Financial stability

As most clubs struggled to maintain their players, KCCA were financially stable. Players were assured of all basics. 

“I would rather halt some programmes to ensure that you are well catered for,” Kampala Capital City

Authority Executive Director Jennifer Musisi assured the players during a brief at Namboole in January.

Teamwork

All the club’s departments worked as a unit. The players, technical bench, fans and the technocrats at City Hall all united in a concerted effort to ensure that the club succeeded.

On the field this spirit was underlined by players’ willingness to support each other at all times.

When indiscipline threatened to creep in, it was decisively dealt with. Stars like Odur and Brian Majwega, though some of club’s biggest assets, were suspended for deviating from the set rules.

Good attack

The stats said it all. KCC had the best attack scoring a total of 60 goals. No wonder Odur was second top scorer with 14 goals. When Odur was on suspension, Herman Wasswa, the 2012-13 top scorer, took charge stretching his tally to 11 goals.

International exposure

While the other clubs were limited to the local scene, KCCA had two international tournaments to raise their game. They started off with the Mapinduzi Cup, an annual tournament that drew participation from Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Uganda.

KCCA emerged champions thereby securing crucial experience that later also proved handy not only in the coveted CAF Champions League, but also the FUFA Super League.

Nsimbe factor

The KCCA coach’s ability to motivate players stood out. George Nsimbe might not be the most technically gifted tactician but he has a way of bringing the best out of players.

A classic example was in 2008 when he led a poorly facilitated side to the title. It’s a quality that probably is explained by Nsimbe’s vast experience.

Nsimbe was at his prime a KCCA and national team player before opting for vast coaching. Prior to yesterday he had led KCCA to two league titles.

Bonuses

KCCA had a lot to lose if they failed to win the title. KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi, well aware of vast mileage that the victory would bring, promised the team huge bonuses. 

“For the moment we can’t tell you the exact amount. All I can say, it’s a figure the players will live to remember,” revealed a club official on the eve of the decisive match.