Six players to watch as KCCA FC host URA FC in FUFA Super 8 semis

Abubakar Mayanja celebrates one of his two goals against Wakiso Giants /COURTESY PICTURE

FOOTBALL Six players to watch as KCCA FC host URA FC in FUFA Super 8 semis

Ndyamuhaki J Emanzi 07:45 - 24.08.2023

With a place in the final at stake, the two sides will look to rely on some of their key players to get past the semis and book a date with BUL FC in next month’s final.

KCCA FC and URA FC will face off in the second semi-final of the FUFA Super 8 Tournament Friday evening at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

With a place in the final at stake, the two sides will look to rely on some of their key players to get past the semis and book a date with BUL FC in next month’s final.

But who are some of the key players to watch from the two teams? Both sides have been very active in the transfer market and brought in lots of players to enhance their ambitions ahead of the new Startimes Uganda Premier League season.

Anthony Emojong

The young KCCA FC goalkeeper is one who will take fans through a roller coaster of emotions throughout the game. With head coach Sergio Traguil emphasizing playing out from the back, Anthony Emojong is the first part of the build-up.

Anthony Emojong has been likened to Manchester United custodian Andre Onana|KCCA FC Image

He is off his line most of the time, and this has left some fans on the edge when KCCA FC plays.

But his comfort with the football and ability to distribute the ball give the team exactly what the head coach wants from his side.

There will still be questions asked about the custodian’s physicality in aerial duels where he has looked suspect on different occasions.

Ettienne Katenga

The Angolan is one of the new signings at Lugogo and one of the key players Traguil will hope to rely on in helping KCCA FC return to their glory day.

Katenga is one of KCCA FC's latest acquisitions and is quite easy on the eye |KCCA FC Image

Brazilians Joao Gabriel, Vinicius Michael, Angolans Emilson Gonzaga and Cungulo Da Silva are the other international signings made at the club in the current window, but Katenga is one to watch.

The forward, who operates centrally or through the wings, is easy on the eye with the ball at his feet. He is fast and able to go past defenders with relative ease.

Having started on the bench against Wakiso Giants FC, it is expected that he will get into the starting line-up for Friday’s game.

Abubakar Mayanja

A striker is only as good as his last goal. Abubakar Mayaja scored a brace to help KCCA past Wakiso Giants in the quarter-final, and that should guarantee him a place in the starting line-up against the Tax Collectors.

Abubakar Mayanja celebrates one of his two goals against Wakiso Giants /COURTESY PICTURE

The diminutive forward has an eye for goal and looks ready to challenge the likes of Muhammad Shaban and Tshisungu Kankonde for a place in Traguil’s team.

Enock Walusimbi

URA FC signed the defender as a free agent from Scottish League side Peterhead FC on a two-year contract.

Enock Walusimbi during training with URA FC /URA FC Media

He will add experience and leadership to the URA FC back line. His ability to play both as a right-back and a centre-back means that he can be deployed in any of the two positions by the coach.

The former Express FC captain is expected to make his debut against the Kasasiro Boys and is undoubtedly one to watch out for.

Moses Aliro

The former KCCA FC and Wakiso Giants player is versatile and capable of playing in different positions on the pitch. He has been deployed in midfield, up front, left and right wings and performed.

Moses Aliro in action for Wakiso Giants last season /COURTESY PICTURE

Having added goals to his game while at Wakiso, Aliro has put his hand up for a place up front, and everyone will be waiting to see where he is deployed on Friday.

Ivan Ahimbisibwe

Signed two days before the game, Ivan Ahimbisibwe is expected to get into the team straight away. He is said to have impressed during preseason to convince the Tax Collectors that he deals in goals.

Striker Ivan Ahimbisibwe has joined URA FC on a two-year contract /COURTESY PICTURE

Having scored 10 goals for UPDF FC in each of the last two seasons, the striker is one URA will be tasking with finding the back of the net, and that job starts on Friday. He has an eye for goal and has now joined a team that creates a lot more chances compared to where he has played before.

Will he get the goals to send URA FC to the final? That will be answered Friday evening.