Is KCCA primed to defend Uganda Premier League title?
Aug 15, 2019
Uganda’s CAF Champions League representatives have brought onboard players such as Simon Sserunkuma, John Revita and Erisa Ssekisambu
KCCA FC will be looking over their shoulders when they start the defence of the Uganda Premier League title against Wakiso Giants at the StarTimes Stadium Lugogo on August 31.
Vipers is the team most likely to be breathing down on the KCCA neck as they fight to blot out memories of a trophy-less last season.
For starters, Vipers have beefed up strongly just like URA who are also among the bookmakers' title favourites.
Besides a new state of the art gym opened a few weeks back, Vipers underlined their title intentions by signing predatory striker Mohammed Shaban in a fee which could rise to sh100m!
At Lugogo, champions KCCA released and sold off some of their dependable players that helped them to the league title in May this year.
Former skipper Timothy Awany and Allan Kyambadde were sold off to Israel's Ashdod FC and El Gouna FC from Egypt respectively while Musa Esenu, Muwadda Mawejje and Isaac Kirabira were released.
Tom Ikara (Mbarara City), Walter Ochora (BUL), Bernard Muwanga and Hassan Matovu (Proline) were sent on loan for the entire season.
But Uganda's CAF Champions League representatives have brought onboard players such as Simon Sserunkuma (Tooro United), John Revita (Express) and Erisa Ssekisambu (Gor Mahia).
In terms of match fitness, Mike Mutebi's KCCA is a step ahead after winning the CECAFA Club Championship and having their mettle tested in the ongoing CAF Champions League.
The first round of the league is likely to be played in Kampala, Wakiso and Buikwe districts. This follows the failure of many clubs' preferred grounds to meet the required standards.
This means they will have to share venues with other clubs. Namboole will be used by three clubs (URA, SC Villa, Kyetume) as their home, just like Mutesa II Stadium Wankulukuku that will be shared by Express, Tooro United and Bright Stars while Luzira is home to Maroons, Mbarara City, Onduparaka.
KCCA and Proline will use Lugogo while Wakiso and Police will share Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium in Wakiso then Vipers will use St Mary's Stadium.
UPL Opening Fixtures
Kyetume FC v SC Villa
URA v Maroons
Bright Stars v Vipers
BUL v Express
Onduparaka v Police
Tooro United v Busoga Utd
KCCA v Wakiso Giants
Mbarara City v Proline