BOMBO – KCCA FC were on Tuesday, February 23rd, crowned the StarTimes Uganda Premier League champions following a 1-1 draw away to Ndejje University.
Anwar Ntege put Ndejje ahead three minutes to the break but Saddam Juma drew the Kasasiros level in the second half, to ensure the game ends in a stalemate.
The point earned on the day, saw KCCA move onto 60 points for the season, 7 ahead of second-placed Vipers SC who defeated Police FC 2-1 on the same day.
With only two games to play, Vipers cannot catch up with Mike Mutebi’s side as there are only six points to play for.
After the game, Mutebi came out and suggested that one of the reasons his side triumphed with two games to spare, was that every team in the league was operating at 50%.
“The teams in the league have been operating at 50%, said Mutebi in his post-match interview.
“This is because when u look at the players, most of whom who were supposed to carry their teams, have all been operating at an average level (50%).
“I cannot say that the league has not been competitive because it has, but only due to everyone operating at an average level.
Asked about KCCA’s season in general, the former SC Villa and Uganda Cranes head coach had this to say;
“We have had a better season as compared to the last two in which we won the League.
“When you look at the other two, you will realize that this season, we have managed more points and goals which statistically proves this one has been slightly better. So I think there was a slight improvement in this campaign.
“Winning it while operating at 50% gives me hope that if we go to 55% next season, we will win it again, win the Uganda Cup and get into the CAF Champions League group stages.
Unlike the rest of the KCCA FC staff who were all smiles and jubilating upon the sound of the final whistle, in Bombo, Mutebi remained calm without any over-exaggerated celebrations.
When approached about his lack of excitement, the three-time league winner was quick to note that the season was not yet done.
“I will celebrate after the last match against Maroons because it is then that league will close.
“Of course I am happy because we have won it but my joy will come after the last game.
“We still have a lot to do because our competitors have not been operating at full capacity.
“The good thing is that most of the players who have won the League for us have come from the development side so they will not be subjected to any sort of pressure in future.
“We have not played well against Ndejje because of complacency, the players were a bit reluctant but that happens especially when you know you are going to win in the end.
KCCA FC still have two more games to play in the season, they are away to Nyamityobora and then take on Maroons in their last home game.
The Kasasiros have defeated all but one of the teams this Campaign. The only team they have failed to beat was Mbarara City with whom they drew 0-0 in both fixtures.
This year’s crown is KCCA’s 13th in history and a third in 4 years. Their maiden triumph dates back to 1976.
