The Uganda Premier League has witnessed several financial struggling stories, though what unfolded on Saturday, January 24 in Kamwenge was not just another tough day in office but rather a need for attention.
Walking onto the pitch against Lugazi, Mbarara City’s team sheet read like a survivalist manual rather than a game plan. Eleven players, no substitute not ugly but shocking in a top-tier league.
Commonly known as a forward, Clinton Kamugisha was forced to trade his scoring boots for goalkeeper gloves. Though it looks like a move to utilise versatility its also a clear desperation move.
Heroism or Humiliation
We can applaud Kamugisha for stepping into the sticks and keeping a clean sheet in a top-tier game. This can only be done by a brave and passionate player who is ready to give everything to his team.
But as the praises roll in, pause and ask why he was there? When a club cannot field a specialised goalkeeper or even a single bench player then it’s not only the club’s shame but also the club at large.
Cost of broken promises
The rot is often the case, starting at the top. With reports of two-month salary arrears, the math is simple. The players cannot eat passion and they can hardly pay rent with club loyalty.
It was not long ago that Mbarara City was the undisputed king of the Western region. Kakyeka Stadium was a fortress where giants went to leave points rather than collect them.
Today, the club is a nomad, playing home games in Kamwenge and struggling to find resources to kit out a full matchday squad.
The Ankole Lions cannot survive on miracles alone. If the management fails to address the crisis they are headed for a total collapse which is not good news for the football fraternity.