Congratulations to Express FC, the deserved winner of the league title no doubt. After 28 rounds of games played, Kawowo sports’ Ismael Kiyonga picks the best xi players in the league in their respective positions. In one way or the other, the choice is best on a player’s performance, consistence and his influence on the team’s general performance.
GK: Yasin Mugabi (Proline FC). Many in the soccer circles had written
him off during his error prone days at Villa but the custodian has proved his critics wrong with match winning performances this season. His prowess in goal is one of the reasons Proline FC has conceded the least number of goals 18 in the league and has more clean sheets than any other custodian. His performances even handed him a summon to the national team. He beats off competition from URA FC’s Allan Owiny and Express FC’s Jamal Salim.
RB: Nicholas Wadada (Bunamwaya SC). He has been a joy to watch this season. The marauding right back didn’t only keep things tight at the back but also offered support up front and boasts of two assists. His performances earned him a place in the national U-20 side.
LB: Simon Namwanja (Proline FC). The young left back has been a menace to right wingers this season. Sometimes the ball did go past him, an opponent did go past him but rarely did the two go past him together. Only Godfrey Walusimbi (Bunamwaya SC), Masaka LC’s Ronald Lukungu and URA FC’s Allan Munaba came close.
CB: Yusuf Mukisa (Proline FC). He has been a colossus at the heart of defence for his side. His command of the back line coupled with his calmness and composure in position granted him the national U-20 arm band. Many thought he would struggle in the absence of Henry Kalungi but the lad maintained his performance. His defensive ability is the reason Proline FC has conceded the least number of goals.
CB: Sam Ssenkomi (URA FC). He has been as hard as a rock and a menace to Centre forwards throughout season. No central defender in the league this ranks ahead of his game reading, distribution, power and pace.
MF: Robert Kimuli (Bunamwaya SC). The Bunamwaya skipper is one of the league’s un sung hero but no holding midfielder beats the No.22 to the slot. His tackling, ball winning skills and orchestration of play from deep has been fantastic.
MF: Willy Kavuma (Express FC). Another un sung hero in the league. He has been the league’s most consistent performer from day one till final day. He popped up with match winning goals as well as several assists for his club. Without him in the team, i doubt Express FC would have had the credentials to win the championship. It is amazing that he didn’t get the plaudits he deserves and it’s ashaming he is missing from the list of season’s Most Valuable Player.
MF: William Luwagga Kizito (Bunamwaya SC). 12 assists and 8 goals is enough statistics for the dribbling maestro to earn a place in my best xi. He tormented defenders all season and did it with a lot of easy. Once in a while, you would be fooled to think that the ball is tied to his boot laces. In fact he is my favorite for the player of the year award.
FWD: Julius Ogwang (Express FC). He has been a revelation this season with his goals helping the Red eagles to the title. His work rate and team play can’t be over looked to. 8 league goals and several assist meant he finished the league as his club’s top scorer. Remarkable feat indeed.
FWD: George Opio Abege (Maroons FC). He has been one of the most feared forwards in the league. Whenever he has been on the pitch, defences were kept on tenterhooks. His displays earned him a big money move to money bags and league’s new boys Victoria University but will be greatly missed at Maroons FC.
FWD: Robert Ssentongo (URA FC). He is the league’s golden boy following his 13 league goals that meant he finished top of the scorer’s chart even after 3 goals were chopped off him due to expulsion of Fire Masters FC from the league. He didn’t only score goals but was always part of the team play and no forward in the league rivals his work rate. Un lucky to miss out on the double.
Honourable mentions: Steven Bengo (SC Villa), Alex Tuliraba (Maroons FC), Feni Ali (URA FC), Kasozi Bob (Express FC), Ndaula Moses (SC Villa), Jamal Salim (Express FC), Yayo Lutimba (Express FC), Allan Owiny (URA FC), Isiko Ayub (Hoima-Busia FC), Yahim Kakaire (Hoima-Busia FC), Apollo Razaka (Proline FC), Anthony Bongole (Proline FC).
System: (4-3-3).
Coach / Manager: Sam Ssimbwa (Express FC).
Who would make your season’s best XI?