By Denis West
Such is the dominance of 10-time Copa Coca-Cola Schools tourney winners Kibuli SSS that they even had to join this year’s party in Mbarara through a wild card invitation.
Kibuli and St Mary’s SSS Kitende (nine-time winners) have almost made it a given that they have to be at the final showpiece – the qualifiers notwithstanding.
Old Kampala, Lubiri SSS, Kololo and Kawempe SSS had locked Kibuli out Kampala region qualification only for the organizers to rescind the earlier ban decision and grant them entry – claiming they lacked time to listen to their plea.
Let’s not dwell much on spilled milk but delve into the tourney proper to evaluate the possibility of Kibuli and Kitende extending their decade-long dominion or we have on our hands another emerging force in reigning champions Jinja SSS.
The Jinja side that shocked Kitende on penalties in last year’s finals at Masaka Recreation Ground to win their first Copa tourney, started their title defence with a massive 7-1 win over Bp Negri which was a big statement to the challengers. Contenders Kitende opened with a 1-1 draw with Kawempe while perennial semifinalists Masaka SS beat Lubiri SS 1-0.
After a poor start – by Kitende’s standards – assistant coach Ronald Ssali said they can’t afford to slip up again. They beat Lango’s Mentor 2-1 on Wednesday but will miss inspirational Frank Tumwesige and Robert Kitabarwa, who are with the U20 national team (preparing to face Cameroon in the continent qualifiers at Lugogo on Saturday).
“Our target is the trophy and winning every remaining game remains our priority,” Ssali emphasized.
Forget the glorious days of Farouk Miya, Tony Odur, Mike Mutyaba, Godfrey Walusimbi, Steven Bengo, Jeremiah Ssebuyira and Yunus Sentamu, Kitende coach Richard Wasswa is now banking on largely average players like Bashir Mukungu, Ahmed Amayo, Bobo Byaruhanga, Kenneth Kasozi, Moses Bakkabulindi, Gavin Mugweri, Ivan Asaba, Musa Jagwe and Sula Mpanga.
Kitende is certain of making it out of Group E which has St Edwards, Mentor, Hope SS,Hill View, Kawempe Muslim and Nyakibale but will face it rough at the later stages.
On the other hand, Kibuli has so far won their opening two games scoring nine goals against none, which puts them in a better position to qualify from the group of death that also has Ryakasinga, Buddo and Nakaseke. Kibuli coach Dan Male is relying on Sadat Anaku (has scored 4 goals so far), Umar Kyebatala and Moses Aliro after the departure of Julius Poloto and Allan Okello.
Nakaseke International banking on the deadly attacking force of Thomas Kabaale, Robert Ssewanyana and Ibrahim Bbosa, that netted a combined 40 goals since the qualifying rounds, also promise to throw a spanner in the works in the race to the title.
The title fray is also joined by last year’s semifinalists Buddos SS who boast of experienced coaches Simon Peter Mugerwa and George Lutalo. With players like Goffin Oyirwoth, Plascon midfielder Ibrahim Tembo ‘Sekedi’, U20 striker Saddam Masereka, Express FC goalie Tony Kyamera and lead marksman Frank Sebuufu, they have pillars that can take them all the way to the title and secure a ticket to the East African games in August. May the best win.
2018 Copa Coca-Cola Mbarara Groups
Group A: Kamuge, Panyango, Kimaanya, Bakita, Mbarara, St Peter’s Hoima, Adwari
Group B: Lubiri, Masaka, Kamwenge, Welden, Jinja SS, Negri, Green Valley, Buyaga
Group C: St Julian, St Paul, Saviour, Kitara, Maluku, Royal Giant, Rock HS
Group D: Kashenyi, Ijuma, JIPRA, Lira Town, Kisozi, Light, Kakungulu
Group E: Ryakasinga, Iganga Town View, Sebei College, Nakaseke, Amuria, Kibuli, Buddo
Group F: Bukuumi, Mentor, Hope, Hill View, Kawempe, Kitende, Nyakibale
Group G: Layibi, Hands of Grace, Serere, Old Kampala, London College, Simbya, Katera
Group H: Namagabi, Biyaya, Paidha, Standard Zzana, Kigezi HS, St Joseph, Agape
