Underfire KCCA risk trophy drought in crucial Uganda Cup quarterfinal

KCCA FC will face a decisive moment in their season on Saturday when they travel to Western Uganda to take on FUFA Big League side Kaaro Karungi in a Uganda Cup quarter-final clash at Kyamate Playground in Ntungamo District.

The Uganda Cup is KCCA’s only realistic hope of not ending the season empty handed, following a disappointing Uganda Premier League campaign that sees them languishing in seventh place on the table standings. With no mathematical chance of catching the title contenders Vipers and NEC in the remaining matches, all eyes are now on the Cup.

However, confidence among fans is low. Their team heads into this crucial encounter on the back of three consecutive league defeats, they lost 4-0 to Kitara, 2-1 to BUL and most recently 1-0 to URA.

The continued defensive mistakes and a lack of midfield aggression have haunted the Lugogo side throughout those past three matches, while their forward line continues to underperform. Their strikers Derrick Nsibambi and Shafik Kwikiriza lack confidence and their finishing is so poor, as seen in the match against URA.

In that game, Nsibambi and Kwikiriza missed golden opportunities before Innocent Kisolo capitalised on yet another defensive blunder to score the winner in the 79th minute for the Tax Collectors.

KCCA interim coach Jackson Magera, who stepped in after Abdallah Mubiru was sacked two weeks ago due to poor results, has yet to win a match. He has suffered back-to-back losses against BUL and URA since taking charge last week.

Sources KCCA indicate that Magera was tasked with two priorities, to stabilise the team's league form and, more critically, winning the Uganda Cup. This makes tomorrow’s clash not just his biggest test so far, but a defining one for the club who are on the brink of registering a sixth year without winning any major trophy.

Kaaro Karungi, though a second-tier side, will not be taken lightly.  KCCA’s recent poor form and their own 2-0 victory over Kataka in their last home fixture will inspire their confidence. Like KCCA, Kataka also occupy seventh place on the table and are out of the race for top-flight promotion for next season. However, they possess a big weapon in veteran coach Richard Makumbi, whose wealth of experience could prove crucial.

Elsewhere on Sunday, holders Kitara will host 2022 winners BUL at Royal Park in Butema, Hoima City. With both teams also out of the league title race, this competition is their only hope of winning something this season.

Uganda Cup

Quarter-finals

Saturday 3pm

Kaaro Karungi v KCCA

Sunday 3pm

Kitara v BUL

Monday

Vipers v SC Villa

Tuesday

Police v Kataka