That KCCA are champions is not debatable. The 2015-16 Uganda Premier League came to conclusion on Friday May 27 with Vipers surrendering the title to KCCA but who were the most impressive players from a long season.
Kawowo Sports’ ISMAEL KIYONGA picks his best eleven players in their respective positions.
Mathias Muwanga (Sadolin Paints): – Goalkeeper
The young goalie kept more than a dozen clean sheets and has been a pillar on which the Painters defended.
A good stop stopper, agile and commander of the backline, Muwanga beats Vipers’ Ismail Watenga, Police’s Douglas Kisembo and KCCA’s Benjamin Ochan to the first line of defence.
Denis Okot (KCCA): – Right Back
Often played in a more advanced role in Mike Mutebi’s preferred 3-5-2 system but he remains the best right back domestically at the moment. Not so many players, including forwards and midfielders have more assists than him.
Joseph Ochaya (KCCA): – Left Back
Like Okot, Ochaya was often played as a wing back but his statistics don’t lie. Seven goals from that position and quite a number of assists earn him a slot ahead of Vipers’ Dan Bilikwalira and the evergreen Ronald Lukungu of Sadolin Paints.
Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers): – Central Defence
For having a good season, Lwaliwa made his national U-20 debut as skipper. A nonsense defender who was the heartbeat of the Vipers defence. Though not so tall, he won almost all aerial balls against opponents and reads the game well.
Musa Walangira (JMC Hippos): – Central Defence
He is arguably the oldest player in the league. Tall and agile, Walangira is one of the reasons JMC Hippos leaked the least goals in the season. Often, an opponent or ball got past him but not both at a moment. Good on the ground, excellent in the air.
Isaac Kirabira (The Saints): – Midfield
The heart and soul of The Saints midfield. No anchorman intercepts balls cleanly than the ex-SC Villa skipper and his passing has also been tremendous this season. Unlike previous seasons, he got on the score sheet more often this term. His telepathy with Marlon Tangauzi in the middle is among the reasons The Saints survived.
Ibrahim Kayiwa (Express): – Midfield
His industry and football knowledge couldn’t go unnoticed. Kayiwa has been the conductor of the Express side and controlled the games for the Red Eagles depending on game situation. The boy also has goals in him.
Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA): – Midfield
Whenever he was top of his game, KCCA eased past opponents. That explains how important he has been to the team this season. A joy to watch although his languid style at times affected his performances. Nevertheless, he was the team’s top scorer alongside Ochaya with seven.
Tony Odur (Express): – Forward
When he is the mood, he is unstoppable. Ten goals with most coming in the second half of the season, Odur has led the Express frontline so well and was partly responsible for most of the team’s good performances.
Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers): – Forward
Where would Vipers be without his goals? The runner up top scorer with 17 goals has been his side’s reliable source of goals. By the way, his game isn’t about goals just, he is industrious and played his heart out.
Robert Ssentongo (URA): – Forward
Statistics don’t lie. The diminutive centre forward didn’t play every game thanks to disciplinary issues but still managed to top score with 19 goals.
Honourable Mentions:
Musa Esenu (Soana), Timothy Awani (KCCA), Jackson Nunda (KCCA), Abdallah Nyanzi (Soana), Ismail Watenga (Vipers), Sulaimoni Akinyemi (KCCA), Norman Ojik (Sadolin Paints), Richard Wandyaka (JMC), Mike Sserumaga (Lweza/SC Villa), Ambrose Kirya (SC Villa)
BEST COACH – Moses Basena (The Saints)
He joined a sinking ship in The Saints in January and guided it to survival in style. Only KCCA (28) earned more points (27) than the Namanve based side under Basena in the second half of the season.
Only winning coach Mike Mutebi comes close but without doubt, he takes the gong.