Back to back champions KCC FC are without doubt favourites to retain the title but won’t achieve so on silver plate.
The Lugogo based side unlike other VEK members has used the previous two crisis filled seasons to get back to their glory days.
The side appears the most prepared team for the season if showings at the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2014 where they finished fourth are the yardstick.
Coach George ‘Best’ Nsimbe believes it will be hard to retain the title as all eyes will be on his charges.
“We’re currently the top team in the country and everyone will be motivated to challenge us,” Nsimbe said. “Our target as always is to win the championship but we’re away of the threat that awaits us.”
The club has let go of their top striker in Tony Odur who joined Zambia’s Nkana FC but in Brian Umony, they have an equally able replacement.
Last Season: Champions
Players In: Yasin Mugabi (URA FC), Owen Kasule (URA FC), Brian Umony (Azam FC), Simon Namwanja (Proline FC), Rogers Lukwiya (Express FC), Paul Muchwerezi (Mutundwe Lions), Richard Kasagga (Kiira Young – Loan) and Martin Elungati (SC Villa).
Players Out: Nicholas Sebwato, Steven Bengo, Rogers Aloro (released), Tony Odur (Nkana FC), Jamal Salim (El Merriekh), Gaddafi Kiwanuka, Rogers Aloro (Rwenshama FC), Fahad Kawooya and Hassan Wasswa (SC Villa),
Player to Watch: Brian Umony- The striker is once again back at the club that gave him the limelight in the 2007/08. Umony appears to have rediscovered his scoring boots as witnessed in the CECAFA Kagame Cup where he finished top scorer with five goals. One to watch for the Kasasiro boys if they to win the title for a third time in a row.
Coach: George ‘Best’ Nsimbe: A top man manager and a winning coach. Nsimbe against all odds boosts of three league titles; all with KCC FC and therefore understands how titles are won. Not so astute tactically a big asset for the club.
Strengths: Besides right back, KCC FC have depth in the squad in all positions. From goal to attack, not many teams match the champions. They are a high scoring side with top goal grabbers in Brian Umony, Herman Wasswa and William Wadri and defences won’t find them easy to contain on their day.
Weaknesses: Most times, team selection and desired tactics to win games has been a problem to the technical staff. With all the attacking ammunitions at disposal, Nsimbe often prefers a defensive strategy the reason the team sometimes wins ugly. Besides, there is reported intrigue on the technical bench.
Home: Phillip Omondi stadium, Lugogo
Prediction: Champions -Having won two titles in a row now, KCC FC are now the benchmark. However, unlike previous seasons where the league has been dominated by crisis, they will have challengers in the new look SC Villa, SC Victoria University, URA FC and Vipers SC. Nevertheless, they are still good for the championship.