Even Ferguson would fail at KCC

I was fast forgetting KCC FC’s troubles until I talked to club secretary Fred Ogene on Friday. Ogene’s submissions included an explanation that coach David Otti’s unattractive tactics that were scaring away fans were the main reason the veteran coach was dropped.That was certainly a lie. KCC was, until its first loss of the season recently, attracting big crowds. This, in effect meant that Ogene’s argument of style superseding results did not hold.City Hall sources say the decision to sack Otti was actually made before the start of the season. Tactical independence and ability to take on his superiors in demand for basics were Otti’s main “problems”.That basics like monthly dues, balls and playing boots were fast becoming a rarity at Lugogo, meant that Otti’s constant demands left a few egos wounded. It was however illogical for the executive to immediately unleash the hammer because Otti was delivering.Ironically, it was Otti, who gave his bosses the first opportunity to pounce by almost joining Express. But he was inexplicably not sacked. Word from Lugogo, however, has it that from that moment the prayer within the KCC executive was for the coach to lose so that he would be jettisoned.Otti however complicated his bosses’ task with a league lead. On realising that they were headed for defeat, the ‘style-precedes-results’ argument was coined. It is at this point that Otti gave in to pressure by attempting to squeeze colour out of his largely unskilled team. This was his undoing.Reports from City Hall say the sack was followed by chest thumping. But, will Otti’s departure bring back life to Lugogo? I doubt. The KCC problem is a managerial one that stretches far beyond coaching.Sam Ssimbwa, who some KCC executives were reportedly eyeing as an Otti replacement, was wise enough not to re-entangle himself in the Lugogo mess.I pity Abbey Nasur. From the look of things, he will have to play to the tune of an executive largely composed of people who have proved unqualified in football management.It is a tough assignment where even great names like Alex Ferguson are bound to fail.jbakama@newvision.co.ug