Yunus Sentamu eyes CAF's sh4b
Sep 29, 2014
When Yunus Sentamu announced himself at the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) in South Africa in February this year after scoring three precious goals for Cranes, he became a top transfer target for several South African clubs.
By Fred Kaweesi
CAF Champions League results
CS Sfaxien 1-2 AS Vita Club
(Agg: Vita win 4-2)
TP Mazembe 3-2 Entente Setif
(Agg: 4-4, Setif through on away goals)
When Yunus Sentamu announced himself at the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) in South Africa in February this year after scoring three precious goals for Cranes, he became a top transfer target for several South African clubs.
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs were interested but were not willing to gamble on the 19-year-old.
AmaZulu even invited Sentamu for professional trials but ended their interest.
However, watching from the side-lines was AS Vita.
The DR Congo side, contented with the Ugandan’s qualities, pounced and signed the youngster on a four year contract.
While AmaZulu are bottom in the South Africa Premier Soccerb League and struggle with relegation, Sentamu and his AS Vita outfit are preparing to lift the CAF Champions League and with it bank $1.5m(sh4b) in prize money. Second-placed teams settle for $1m (sh2.6b).
This follows their two-leg semi-final win over Tunisian side CS Sfaxien on Saturday.
Vita produced a shock 2-1 away win over CS Sfaxien for a 4-2 aggregate victory to book their first final appearance in 33 years.
Vita also won their home game 2-1 last weekend and became the first club in the 50 year history of Africa’s premier club competition to defend a 2-1 first-leg advantage, with Setif achieving the same feat on Sunday.
Just like in the group stages, when Sentamu struck that vital goal that sent Egyptian side Zamalek out of the competition, the former Vipers forward left a mark in the semi-finals.
With the tie levelled at 1-1, Sentamu struck the winner 10 minutes into the second half.
The 19-year-old could become the first Ugandan to win the CAF Champions League title.
All Sentamu needs to do is lead AS Vita to victory in the two-legged CAF final against Algerian side Entente Setif.
Vita Club will host the first leg on October 26 with the return in Algeria on November 1.
Simba and SC Villa are the only two Ugandan clubs that came closest to winning the prestigious competition after losing out in the final to Guinean side Hafia (1972) and Tunisian side Club Africain (1991) respectively.
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