KCCA vs NEC: Five Key battles

KCCA are eyeing their first silverware since 2019 as they take on ambitious NEC in the Fufa Super 8 final at Hamz stadium, Nakivubo on Tuesday.

Ismael Kiyonga looks at key battles likely to decide the outcome of the game as either want to head into the new season with a trophy.  

Charles Lwanga and Said Mayanja vs Warren Bbule and Daniel Shabene

Lwanga has a very decent start to life at KCCA on his second spell and scored in both legs against BUL.

NEC will have to find a way to stop Lwanga, who is KCCA’s joint-top scorer in the tournament so far alongside Said Mayanja on two goals each.

But the responsibility to stop the on form duo will not only fall on the shoulders of Warren Bbule but experienced Daniel Shabene as well who is expected to sit at the base of the NEC midfield diamond, patrolling the area in front if the defence where Lwanga and Mayanja could have plenty of influence.

Shafik Nana Kwikiriza vs Hakim Wandera

Nana has had a good tournament so far bossing that right flank with his pace and skill despite his final ball still lacking.

He comes up against an intelligent left back in Hakim Wandera who loves defending and going up front to join in attack as well as witnessed against SC Villa.

A battle of two youngsters that could prove decisive depending on who comes out on top.

Herbert Achai and Filbert Obenchan vs Richard Basangwa

Basangwa is proving to be the player who was once touted to be next big thing in Ugandan football with his lethal left foot, power and pace.

Kaddu could start him as the main centre forward but he thrives better as a wing forward down the right as he prefers to cut inside and shoot on goal or create an opportunity for his teammates.

He faces arguably the most experienced player in the KCCA backline if he starts on the left side of NEC’s attack and if maintains his current form that has seen him score in every game, then Achai has work to do.

If he starts through the centre, then Filbert Obenchan will be the player tasked with denying him a chance to continue his goal scoring spree.

Bossing the midfield

Now, this is an area where the game could be won or lost.

Brian Jjara is expected to play alongside Yunus Sibira in KCCA’s midfield and the pair will be kept busy against NEC’s expected set up in that area, of course helped by Mayanja.

NEC have settled on Shabene at the base, with Joseph Sseremba and Pius Obuya either side of him.

That is a trio of grafters, but not lacking in quality as observed in the past matches in this competition especially from Sseremba who has the lungs to drive the ball all through the 90 minutes.

Individually, Sseremba and Jjara battle will be one to watch and with a likely hood of a game played with a lot of intensity and obviously a lot of jitters on both sides, expect fireworks in the engine room.

Brian Ssenyondo vs Badru Kaddu

Until a couple of years ago when he took over at Express, Badru Kaddu had never stood on his own as a coach but he has proved to be a very good coach since his Red Eagles days.

He was derided as unqualified at the time, but is during his time that Express played the most beautiful football in the league and no surprise, NEC came calling.  

Can he be the first coach to win NEC a trophy? He has a big opportunity come Tuesday.

Ssenyondo appears the opposite as he has managed on his own right from his youthful days at Synergy, UPDF, Mbarara City and even claimed glory with Kitara and the national underage team.

Having taken over as a stand-alone coach, a lot appears to have changed in this small period of time and could be about to end KCCA’s seven years wait for any kind of trophy? Very possible.

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