Overview:
His breakthrough was at just 23 years when he nearly guided Synergy FC to the Premier League but controversially lost 2-1 to Mbarara City in a promotional play off at Lugogo.
Thirteen-time champions KCCA on Friday announced Brian Ssenyondo as a new coach alongside Jackson Magera in a new era as co-coaches.
The 31-year-old reportedly beat experienced heads including national team assistant coach Sam Ssimbwa, former KCCA coach Jackson Mayanja and fan favourite David Obua whose recent managerial work was at URA.
Below, Kawowo Sports’ takes a look at what convinced the KCCA board to give him the job.
Ssenyondo’s early rise
Ssenyondo has become one of the most highly rated and sought-after young coaches in Ugandan football. Having started out at Synergy, his own project in Masaka.
His breakthrough was at just 23 years when he nearly guided Synergy FC to the Premier League but controversially lost 2-1 to Mbarara City in a promotional play off at Lugogo.
What caught the eye of many was his team that had quality youngsters like Solomon Okwalinga, Pius Kagwa and Nicholas Kasozi among others.
At just 31, Ssenyondo has a track record of winning trophies lifting the Uganda Cup with Kitara in 2024 and also Cecafa U-17 title plus he guided the Uganda Cubs to the Fifa World Cup, the first ever national football team to reach a global event.
Acceptance to work with Magera
The hierarchy at KCCA value Jackson ‘Nelly’ Magera as an asset given his time at Lugogo which includes the most successful era under Mike Mutebi.
Other candidates reliably didn’t offer to keep Magera among their coaching staff but Ssenyondo didn’t have any issues keeping the current staff at Lugogo and that explains why a decision was reached to name both as co-coaches.
Ability to attract players targeted by KCCA
According to sources, in his submission, Ssenyondo promised to attract players to join at Lugogo.
It is expected that his arrival will be followed by Jude Ssemugabi with whom they worked at Mbarara City and Kitara, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, his former player at UPDF and Synergy as well as Rogers Mugisha.
It is also reported that Kitara right back Lazaro Bwambale will sign for the Kasasiro.
Such ability to get these players including Ssemugabi from the jaws of rivals Vipers enticed KCCA board to hire him.
You forgot to mention that Ssenyondo has a World Cup to focus on too.