Experienced towering goalkeeper James Alitho officially returned to Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Football Club after penning a new deal with the tax collectors.
Alitho agreed with the tax collectors’ side a new employment contract of two years effective 2021 – 2022 season.
This comes after his unsuccessful spell in Zambia where he had traveled from his earlier stint at URA.
The arrival of Alitho, a former Vipers goalkeeper is a great boost to the goalkeeping department that also has Nafian Alionzi Legason, Hannington Sssebwalunyo and youngster Samuel Mwaka.
To create space, any of the three goalkeepers Alionzi, Ssebwalunyo and Mwaka will be released to accommodate Alitho’s slot.
Therefore, the goalkeeping wing that is coached by Steven Billy Kiggundu and Robert Mukasa has to make a bold decision coming to the new season.
Mwaka is a former URA junior team goalkeeper that has since matured and therefore ready to be assimilated into the club with time.
His advantage over Alionzi (26 years old) and the 31 year old Ssebwalunyo is the age factor.
At 23 years, Mwaka still gives you the hope that will mature into a great goalkeeper as he learns from the seniors at the club as he runs down the five year contract signed.
Alionzi’s injury hit season will give the bosses some worrying time but on a good spell, he remains a great goalkeeper ready to command and shot stop at all times.
Ssebwalunyo who joined from Maroons last season enjoyed some good time in between the goal posts as he confidently displayed what he does best – pin point saves, one against one encounters, excellent command and quick reflex saves.
One too many times, there have been conspiracy theories, within the internal club structures; doubting his confidence, as well as alleged match fixing and witch-craft allegations.
That said, Alitho is expected to command the first choice slot given his unquestionable experience, confidence and exceptional goalkeeping skills.
Of course, the number one slot at the club is not just accorded but rather worked for given the demands of the club that will represent the country at the CAF Confederation Cup tourney.
Also, an avalanche of domestic fixtures await the tax collectors in an anticipated competitive season both in the Stanbic Uganda Cup and StarTimes Uganda Cup.
Other beef-ups:
URA has already signed young defender Simon Baligeya (Busia Young and Kibuli SS), left footed gem Living Kabon (Onduparaka), Derrick Ndahiiro (SC Villa) and renewed the employment contract of midfielder Julius “Boy” Mutyaba.
On who becomes number one, two and three in that order remains a rich discussion worthy for a rich column on any day.
And, the sacrificial lamb on Alionzi, Ssebwalunyo or Mwaka will definitely create room and space for the vastly experienced Alitho.
A good decision for Alitho