Ssenyondo hails rising star Yiga after KCCA’s fourth straight win

KCCA FC head coach Brian Ssenyondo has praised teenage midfielder Alex Yiga for his growing influence after another decisive contribution from the bench in Friday night’s 2-1 victory over NEC, a result that kept the Kasasiro Boys firmly at the top of the Uganda Premier League (UPL).

Yiga set up Saidi Mayanja’s late winner after coming on as a substitute, marking the second successive match in which the youngster has played a key role despite not starting.

In the previous outing, Yiga scored a dramatic stoppage-time goal to seal a 2-1 away win over BUL at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

“We are building a team, a family, where everyone fights for each other,” Ssenyondo said.

“No one wants to sit on the bench, but whether you start or come on later, the mentality must be the same. I am very happy with the overall performance, and especially with Yiga over the last two games. He has been exceptional, he scored a beautiful goal against BUL and now provided the assist for the winner. I want him to keep that up.”

NEC FC's Emmanuel Nkuranga (right) beats KCCA FC's Lazaro Muhindo during a UPL match at the Phillip Omondi Stadium, December 12, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

While Yiga once again caught the eye, the spotlight belonged to Mayanja, who scored both of KCCA’s goals. He opened the scoring in the fourth minute after being set up by Herbert Achayi, before sealing the win in the 87th minute. The decisive goal came after Yiga capitalised on a defensive lapse by NEC and laid the ball into Mayanja’s path for a composed right-footed finish that sparked wild celebrations among the KCCA supporters.

 The victory marked KCCA’s fourth straight league win and lifted them to 23 points from 10 matches, three clear of second-placed SC Villa.

For NEC, it was another frustrating evening under head coach Badru Kaddu, who has endured a difficult start since taking over from Hussein Mbalangu last October. The defeat was NEC’s second in six matches under Kaddu, with the side managing just one win and three draws in that period. Last season’s title runners-up now sit ninth on the table with 11 points from 10 games.

The match also saw both teams reduced to 10 men late in the second half. KCCA forward Emmanuel Anyama was sent off, while NEC substitute Titus Ssematimba also received his marching orders. Ssematimba experienced mixed fortunes, having come off the bench to score NEC’s equaliser before being dismissed minutes later.

NEC FC's Odongo (left) and KCCA's Emmanuel Anyama contest for the ball during a UPL match at the Phillip Omondi Stadium, December 12, 2025. KCCA WON 2-1. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Friday’s encounter was the first meeting between the two sides this season, who both use Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, as their home ground. KCCA were the designated hosts on the night. NEC enjoyed the upper hand last season, winning both derby fixtures 1-0.

UPL action continues on Saturday with Calvary hosting Mbarara City in Yumbe, while defending champions Vipers SC will face BUL under the floodlights at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Uganda Premier League

Results

KCCA 2 NEC 1

Kitara 2 Maroons 0

SC Villa 3 URA 0

Saturday

Calvary v Mbarara, 4pm

Vipers v BUL, 8pm