Sam Ssimbwa charms the birds out of the skies

At this rate, it doesn't matter when the new 2020-21 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season kicks off. We are getting enough entertainment from the transfer vibe to last us a continued lockdown.

The busy player market is a sign that away from public intrusiveness, clubs are preparing for the new season with great anticipation. The big ones like KCCA FC and Vipers are trying to stay ahead of the pack by pulling off audacious deals that include the release of at least one-third of their squads while replacing them at the same time, as though it was routine practice.

Inevitably, their nomadic scouts have landed on the same prey, triggering off bitter exchanges to satisfy their egos. The fight over youngster Andrew Kawooya who has signed a four-year contract with KCCA is a prime example. Just like the beef surrounding Disan Galiwango's botched move from Express to Vipers. Moves like Jackson Nunda and Hannington Ssebwalunyo to URA who could still add Patrick Kaddu, Murshid Juuko, and Brian Nkuubi have kept the mood alive. If these deals succeed and the taxmen manage to hold onto Shafiq Kagimu and Saidi Kyeyune, we can whet our appetites for the new season.

URA is the bone of this week's column. The four-time league champions have given us a raw deal for too long. Since 2011, when they won their last championship, they have flattered to deceive. The closest they've come was 2012-13 when they finished runners-up. Not only have they changed coaches with reckless abandon over the last nine years, but the player turnover has also been so high, it has turned into a tradition.

A name is everything. Take Sam Ssimbwa, the URA coach. Somewhere in Lubaga, on Butikkiro Road, is a football-mad family that carries the Lwanga name. Rogers Lwegaba, the eldest in a family of three, is at the moment having a frosty relationship with his younger siblings Fiona Namanda and Lydia Lwanga over allegiances. They are split between URA, Villa, and Vipers. On Tuesday this week, the three engaged me on a zoom call to help them sort a family crisis. The fight was over Ssimbwa and URA.

Fiona, who claims to be more knowledgeable of the three went first; "Aldrine, isn't Ssimbwa the best coach in Uganda? That guy is flamboyant, ever smart, super confident, and a winner. He is the reason I support URA. Tell them," she fired.  Her sister, Lydia, looked combative. She would hear none of it; "Vipers is the team for our generation. Those guys are trendy and innovative. Look at our stadium. We shall be champions again."  Irritated by what he called ‘ignorance' of his ‘wannabe' sisters, Rogers volunteered a more educated opinion; "I keep telling these girls that Villa is the benchmark and the others, followers, but they don't get it," he lamented.

Hard-pressed between giving my expert opinion, football education, and maintaining family unity, I chose Fiona's corner and took a controversial position. "It's okay to support URA purely on account of Ssimbwa," I opined. "If he and the club knew better, his brand could be the secret weapon that they can exploit to change their fortunes," I continued. Ssimbwa's natural charm, legendary status, and abrasiveness appeals to players of all ages. His tactical acumen, experience, competitive nature, and pedigree can deliver silverware. His flamboyance and poster image are now seducing fans like Fiona. He is an asset, the same way Mike Mutebi's brand has done wonders for KCCA.

URA's struggles off the pitch center around their failure to grow their fan base. They have failed to convince neutrals that they are a serious football club. Their failure to sustain success is as much a result of this indifference as it is for their lack of a clear vision. For as long as the status quo remains, no amount of money will put the club on the same level as KCCA and Vipers. Sadly, the indifference has been adopted by the players which makes it harder for the coaches. All that the Fionas of this world are left with, is it to marvel at Ssimbwa's charm.