URA FC’s long wait to add to their already thin trophy cabinet is likely to extend for at least one other season, given the current stakes, two days to the start of the 2022/23 Uganda Premier League campaign.
It’s eleven years since the Tax Collectors last won the League, then, they garnered 59 points, eight ahead of their nearest rivals, KCCA FC.
However, 11 years later, it doesn’t look like they will add to their four championships, despite their huge budget and big-name status.
The Taxmen are not exactly short on quality but, given what their rivals, KCCA and Vipers SC have on their respective roasters, the Revenue boys’ wait will be induced even further.
The Nakawa-based outfit lost quality in Cromwell Rwothomio, Ashraf Mandela, Steven Mukwala, Ivan Sserubiri, Moses Sseruyidde, Arafat Ggaliwango, and Mikidad Ssenyonga, all in sensitive positions.
They added forward Derrick Nsibambi, and despite his undoubted prowess in front of goal, it’s hard to think he will replicate both Mukwala and Rwothomio’s numbers.
URA also added Salim Abdallah and James Begisa as direct replacements for Mandela and Sserubiri respectively.
But, it’s hard to think the former pair, talented yet still young, will make immediate similar impacts as the latter lot.
Their direct rivals, KCCA, and Vipers look far more balanced than they were during the preceding season.
At the MTN Omondi Stadium, the former has added quality in Allan Okello, Moses Waiswa, Tshisungu Kankonde, and Muhammad Shaban among others to their already fancy squad.
KCCA is expected to battle for the top seed more than it did last season. This campaign looks the deal for the Morley Byekwaso-coached side.
Vipers, on the other hand, is still a strong force to reckon with. Despite losing a few stars in Halid Lwaliwa, and Cesar Manzoki among others, replacements like Murushid Juuko, Cromwell Rwothomio, and Abdu Lumala have been spot-on.
The Venoms look the odds-on favorites to defend the title they won last season, virtually unchallenged.
The KCCA-Vipers transfer business, organization, and balance is unpleasant news for URA’s title quest.
Further, URA has not been helped by two of their best players, Shafik Kagimu and Saidi Kyeyune’s dip in form, as envisaged last season. The duo will have to revisit their old selves if the team is to strongly compete.
Their trademark third position will also be tested even further, given the business done by BUL FC and Gaddafi Modern FC, under the experienced duo of Alex Isabirye and Wasswa Bbosa respectively.
It’s not all troublesome though, as URA’s defence looks more sound than last campaign, especially with the addition of Eric Ssenjobe from Police FC.
They will get off their campaign with a bout against Arua-based side Onduparaka FC, on October 1 at the Nakisunga Ssaza Grounds.
