Overview:
Nsumba and Bengo have lots in common – both played for Uganda Cranes, SC Villa and URA and had stints abroad with the latter playing in Tanzania at Young Africans while the former in Iceland.
Steven Bengo and Augustine Nsumba are both retired but even in their retirement, they still divide opinions on who was the better footballer between the two.
Both products of the defunct SC Villa academy, Jogoo Young, they mesmerized fans with their talent full of skills, artistry and purpose.
Nsumba and Bengo have lots in common – both played for Uganda Cranes, SC Villa and URA and had stints abroad with the latter playing in Tanzania at Young Africans while the former in Iceland.
To many, they never fully realized their potential and the country didn’t get enough from them given their huge talent but how is the pair rated in the eyes of their peers and coaches?
A nine-minute compilation on Ismael Kiyonga Live YouTube channel of managers and players shows both are head-to-head.
Here are a few picks from the compilation
Sam Ssimbwa (Uganda Cranes assistant coach)
“The two were very talented and skillful but Nsumba was a better player. In fact, the different between I and him during my playing days could just be pace but he could have been maybe better than me.”
Godwin Bbule (Former Vipers, Express FC and Uganda U20 goalkeeper)
“Bengo had attributes that made him deadly. He is a dead ball specialist and can decide matches on his own. Nsumba was skillful but never took responsibility like Bengo.”
Jimmy Kakooza alias Kacanga (KCCA, Simba, Bright Stars)
“Both were extremely talented and would win you matches on their day. Tough to pick one.”
Noah Ssemakula (Ex-SC Villa, URA and Express)
“For me, Bengo was better. Maybe because he spent more time playing locally here than Nsumba and I watched him more often.”
Vincent Kayiizi (Uganda Cranes, KCCA, Express)
“My pick is Bengo overall but both were very good footballers.”
Kefa Kisala (Uganda Cranes, KCCA, Express)
“Nsumba was top notch. Very unpredictable, could play in more positions and easily beat an opponent even though having to have the ball. I saw Bengo mostly playing as an inverted winger and in that area, he can be limited.”
Paul Kiwanuka (UPDF coach), Iddi Batambuze, Dan Wagaluka, Jamil Kasita and many other legends joined the debate. Watch the full video below.