A National Pool League encounter at Beluga Lounge in Kitintale turned into a nightmare for Greater Mukono on Sunday, as Club 408 handed them a crushing 14-6 defeat on Sunday evening.
But while the statement performance sent shockwaves through the league table, the true damage stretched far beyond the baize, plunging the Mukono-based side into a potential coaching crisis.
What began as a fiercely anticipated fixture loaded with rivalry, unfinished business, and personal battles has now triggered an internal reckoning. The fallout has put the relationship between the players, management, and technical bench under intense public scrutiny, leaving the club’s season hanging in the balance.
The showdown was never going to be an ordinary league fixture. The history and personal story between the two camps added heavy psychological weight to the afternoon. Their previous meeting had ended in controversy, leaving both sides eager for a rematch.
Adding spice to the atmosphere was Blacksheep, a Mukono resident renowned for challenging several Greater Mukono players in occasional money matches, frequently holding the upper hand.
Another major subplot surrounded Patrick Sekirime, a former Greater Mukono player who recently crossed over to Club 408. Sekirime’s departure was reportedly rocky, involving underlying tensions with the team’s technical setup. Upon the fixture’s announcement, he made no secret of his desire to face his former teammates.
Yet, despite the swirling individual rivalries, the most explosive talking point erupted from within Greater Mukono’s own dressing room before the opening break.
Preparations were severely disrupted by a sharp disagreement between head coach Ben Kinene (popularly known as Coach Ben) and Julius Ssemanda, the current leading scorer in the National Pool League.
As Julius continued his relentless race for the league’s top scorer accolade, every single appearance and frame mattered to his campaign. Eager to feature and add to his tally, Julius wanted to play. However, a disagreement broke out between the player and Coach Ben, resulting in the coach benching his star marksman.
The decision infuriated Julius and left Greater Mukono entering a crucial match without one of its most lethal weapons. Club 408 capitalised ruthlessly, cruising to an emphatic 14-6 victory.
The disaster unfolded on a bruising matchday that saw only four of the 12 projected fixtures played. Earlier, at Itaano in Mukono, Sinkers routed Nakawa 16-4. Meanwhile, at Beluga Lounge, Corporate Shooters drew 10-10 with Greater Mukono before edging the contest on penalties.
Given a chance to redeem themselves against Club 408 later that same day, Greater Mukono instead suffered an even heavier 14-6 defeat, cementing a matchday to completely forget.
The aftermath spilt over into a crisis meeting on Monday, bringing together management, players, and Coach Ben to address the team’s technical direction.
During the session, several players voiced strong grievances regarding the coach’s approach to training sessions and matchdays, describing his methods as overly harsh. Management attempted to broker a compromise, urging Ben to soften his approach and adjust how he handled the squad.
Instead, the coach stood his ground, adamant that he would not change his methods. The meeting took a dramatic turn when Ben walked out while discussions were still ongoing, delivering what those present understood to be a verbal resignation.
While no permanent decision or formal replacement has been announced, the move has cast deep uncertainty over the club’s immediate future.
The questions piling up at Greater Mukono are severe: Was the benching of Julius justified? Did the internal rift cost them the match? Can the fractured relationship between the coach and his players be repaired?
Greater Mukono possesses the talent, experience, and depth to compete at the highest level of the National Pool League, but restoring stability will require urgent action. Club 408 walked away from Beluga Lounge with a commanding 14-6 victory, but for Greater Mukono, the biggest battle is now being fought far away from the table.