Yunus Sentamu on verge of making history

By Fred Kaweesi

YUNUS Sentamu is on the verge of history. The former Vipers striker could become the first Ugandan to win the CAF Champions League title.

All that the 19-year-old needs to do is lead DR Congo side 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 in the African Cup of Champions Clubs (1964-1997) –the equivalent of the CAF Champions League.

But what Sentamu, has deservedly achieved, is move a step further to the Holy Grail in a career that was almost frustrated months after his impressive performance at the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) in South Africa.

Back then, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs showed interest in the teenager but were not willing to gamble on a player that scored thrice in one tournament.

AmaZulu even invited Sentamu for professional trials but ended their interests.

However, watching from the sidelines were AS Vita, who signed the youngster on a four year contract. 

Now, while AmaZulu are bottom in the South Africa Premier Soccer League struggling with relegation, Sentamu and his AS Vita outfit are preparing to lift the CAF Champions League and with it $1,500,000 (sh4b) in prize money.

This follows their two-leg semi-final win over Tunisian side CS Sfaxien last 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.

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 semifinals.

With the tie levelled at 1-1, Sentamu struck the winner 10 minutes into the second half.

Clearly, there is enough to suggest Sentamu will become a sensation.

His pace and eye for goal are an asset. He also runs through the channels brilliantly. It will not be long before Sentamu becomes a permanent fixture in the senior Cranes team.