- Saturday February 10, 2018
- CNaPS Sport Vs KCCA – Mahamasina Municipal Stadium, Antananarivo 2.30pm (EAT)
- CAF Champions League Preliminary Round, 1st leg
Mike Mutebi believes his young squad is ready to conquer the continent as they begin the quest for CAF Champions League group stages slot away to Madagascar’s CNaPS Sport.
The Madagascar back to back champions on six occasions host the first leg of the preliminary round on Saturday at the Mahamasina Municipal stadium with either side targeting a decent result.
Although KCCA start the campaign without many of the players that helped them reach the group stages of CAF Confederation Cup last year, Mutebi says they are more ready to do the job with a young squad.
“The young players like Okello, Julius Poloto, Mustapha Kizza and Lawrence Bukenya were not the first among equals last campaign but now they have grown to take on the mantle,” said Mutebi.
“Okello is the best creative player in the league and he is going to help us play our way in Madagascar,” added Mutebi, “The good thing our opponents want to play and we shall take the game to them.”
Okello who got minutes on the continent last season also believes the time is now for him to repay the coach’s trust.
The coach has showed trust in me and I hope to score in that match.
Last season, KCCA were much helped by the experience of forward Geoffrey Sserunkuma (six goals), the engine of Ivan Ntege in the middle, the speed of Vincent Kayizzi and Brian Majwega on the wings as well as fullbacks Isaac Muleme and Joseph Ochaya plus Benjamin Ochan whose heroics in Cairo guided the team to the group stages.
All those are no longer part of the setting at Lugogo in addition to Robert Ssentongo and Tom Masiko who played big roles as the club reached the group stages of the continent’s second most valuable competition.
In addition, the back to back local champions are minus creative midfielder Muzamiru Mutyaba who is nursing a foot injury as well Jackson Nunda.
Nevertheless, in Derrick Nsibambi (four goals last season), Muhammad Shaban, Timothy Awany and Ibrahim Saddam Juma among others, they have experience in the team.
Last year, KCCA failed to pick a point on the road losing all games but were superior at home winning all but one against Mamelodi Sundowns which ejected them from the CAF Champions League.
KCCA Probable XI:
Charles Lukwago (GK), Denis Okot ©, Habib Kavuma, Timothy Awany, Mustapha Kizza, Isaac Kirabira, Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Allan Okello, Paul Mucureezi, Muhammad Shaban and Derrick Nsibambi.