It doesn’t need a Luiz Filipe Scolari or a Pitso Mosimane to understand what’s needed if a team is to pick results convincingly – it’s not entirely about the licensed lot.
Its not rocket science either as many feel to comment about the game is only reserved for a designated few.
Anyway, the 2022/2023 StarTimes Uganda Premier League is days away and the analysis of whether it will be Vipers or KCCA FC is about to take center stage.
However, I feel this time, the mix should have BUL FC and URA FC as well, not for the sake of it, but, as serious contenders. But that will be the story of a different day.
KCCA FC have not won the league in three seasons and Uganda Cup in four. Still early stages, but, picture a fourth straight season without a major silverware at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, a season they are celebrating their 60th birthday.
Time to manage your expectations ‘Kasasiro Boys’, because unless otherwise, the incoming campaign is likely to be more disappointing than the preceding one.
KCCA have done very good business in the market – a fit Shaban Muhammed and Moses Waiswa can easily have them lynch defenses.
But, that depends on how the technical team hopes to use them, especially Waiswa, who is arguably the best creative brain in the league today, from the middle of the park.
You would expect the team to adjust and design plays around him, but, it looks like that is not the case.
Similar to last season, the ball must spread out wide for wingers who can’t be effective with their crosses, if they decide to cross that is.
But also the would be recipients of these crosses don’t show any interest, hunger or urgency, atleast as per the few preseason games this author has managed to watch.
That is just part of the bigger problem, thing is, KCCA players just can’t think in the final third where they are supposed to hurt opponents.
Did I say they recklessly lose possession and you don’t see any fight in them wanting to win it back?
Traditionally, they love to start play from the back, with either of Benjamin Ochan, Derrick Ochan or Ali Mwisiru, to Denis Iguma, Geoffrey Wasswa or Mustafa Mujuzi, any of those will comfortably pick up a midfielder as the team continues to transit forward.
A few touches here and there will see them in the final third where you expect them to pick up a Simon Kankonde Tshisungu, a Shaban Muhammed or whoever is in the best position with too much ease.
That is never the case, before you know it possession is lost and their entire team is tracking back to defend a counterattack, seconds later.
This was the case too last season, so there is no improvement made in that sense ahead of the new season.
It is like in their theory sessions, nothing is taught about how they are supposed to conduct themselves in the final third.
You can call it a general Ugandan problem but what is supposed to set you apart from the rest if your ambition is standout.
This, they do consistently by the way, and sometimes it takes Iguma (probably the most intelligent on the team) to venture forward and try to create chances, but, rarely gets help and before you know it, he is exposed.
Waiswa who is expected to fill that void has not trained with the team that much because he has been away on national team duty.
But, there is no guarantee that his prowess will be utilized, because the coaches have strict orders to midfielders not to use the spaces in midfield to hurt the opposition, but the wings.
In the end, that poses the big question; Why was Waiswa signed if the technical team is not interested in utilizing his strength?
Those blessed with technical prowess and intelligence have time and again praised midfielder Usama Arafat’s abilities.
A budding star from the University Football League and Masaza Cup, when does he plan to take charge at Lugogo?
If the team is to rely on wide players to create chances, do they know their role and, do they invest time in perfecting their craft or that is not entirely important?
