Friday 8, 2014 Fixtures (Amahoro stadium, Kigali)
KMKM (Zanzibar) Vs Atlabara (South Sudan) – 2pm
KCC FC (Uganda) Vs Gor Mahia (Kenya) @ 4pm (Ug Time)
Rayon Sport (Rwanda) Vs Azam FC (Tanzania) – 6pm
Kampala City Council FC kick start their 2014 Kagame Cup tournament campaign this Friday afternoon against KPL winners Gor Mahia FC at Amahoro stadium.
The Uganda champions whose last appearance at the tourney saw them drop out at the quarter finals in 2009 are aware that a good start will give them momentum if they are to stay on course for the championship they last won in1978.
“Gor Mahia FC is a good side like any other in the competition but we are ready for them,” KCC FC Coach George ‘Best’ Nsimbe told Kawowo Sports on arrival at Kigali International Airport.
“They do have our respect but not fear so we shall go into the maximum looking for maximum points,” he added.
His counterpart Bobby Williamson; newly appointed Harambee Stars coach whose side arrived in Kigali on Wednesday said his focus is now with Gor Mahia and hopes he wins this championship.
“It’s a great honour to be named Kenya coach but that will come later. Am focused on Gor Mahia FC now and my goal is to win this championship,” the ex-Cranes coach added.
KCC FC Team News:
The team has no injury worries ahead of the game and is boosted by the return of Cranes trio of Brian Umony, Richard Kasagga and Brian Majwega who all travelled with the side.
New acquisition Yasin Mugabi is expected to start in goal with skipper Sakka Mpiima and Simon Namwanja playing at right and left full back respectively.
Richard Kasagga is expected to make his debut for the club after completing a loan move from Kiira Young by partnering Ronnie Kisekka at the heart of defence.
In midfield, Hakim Ssenkumba is the undisputed anchorman with on form Tom Masiko and Owen Kasule returning to the club for a second stint completing the trio.
Upfront, Nsimbe may opt for Herman Wasswa as the man to lead the line with Brian Majwega on the left and Steven Bengo on the right in a three man attack. However, Brian Umony and William Wadri plus youngster Derrick Nsibambi offer other options upfront.
KCC FC Probable X1:
Yasin Mugabi (GK), Sakka Mpiima, Simon Namwanja, Ronnie Kisekka, Richard Kasagga, Hakim Ssenkumba, Tom Masiko, Owen Kasule, Brian Majwega, Steven Bengo and Herman Wasswa.
Gor Mahia FC Team News:
Bobby named a strong squad for the championship including four Ugandans; Godfrey Walusimbi, Geoffrey Kizito, Arthur Semazzi and Daniel ‘Mzee’ Sserunkuma.
Gor Mahia FC probable X1:
Jerim Onyango (GK), Haroun Shakava, Musa Mohammad, David Owino, Godfrey Walusimbi, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Collins ‘Gattuso’ Okoth, Patrick Oboya, Timothy Otieno, Daniel Sserunkuma and George Odhiambo.
In other games on the day, Tanzanian outfit Azam FC who were late entrants into the competition after Yanga were barred from participating for allegedly naming a weakened side face Burundi’s Vital’O in the last of the three games on the day.
Vital’O; the defending champions having won the trophy in Sudan last year arrived in Kigali simultaneously with their opponents Azam FC and team skipper vowed they are here to defend their crown.
The early kickoff will see Zanzibar’s KMKM take on Atlabara.