KCCA: Ssenyondo Embraces Pressure Ahead of New Season

KCCA FC head coach Brian Ssenyondo has underlined his ambition to restore the club’s glory as he prepares for his first full season in charge, highlighting the importance of new signings and embracing the pressure that comes with managing a team of KCCA’s stature.

Ssenyondo, who joined the 13-time league champions in preseason after stints with Kitara, UPDF, Mbarara City and Synergy, admitted that the weight of expectation is already evident as he seeks to overturn a 2-1 deficit against SC Villa in the return leg of FUFA Super 8 on Friday at Kadiba.

“Any coach would love time, but football rarely gives you that luxury,” he said. “At a club like KCCA, you have to win instantly.”

“The club has gone seasons without a trophy. Whether given time or not, we must work out things quickly and it must start with this Super Eight game.”

The Kasasiro Boys have made seven signings as they look to challenge on all fronts again: striker Ivan Ahimbisibwe, full-back Herbert Achai, defender Enock Walusimbi, youngster Lazaro Bwambale, Winger Alpha Ssali, versatile Rogers Mugisha and goalkeeper Charles Lukwago, who returns to the club after a stint away.

“We knew what we wanted for the squad this season,” Ssenyondo explained. “We have a blend of youth and experience—hungry young players and experienced ones who have won it before.”

“Walusimbi lifted the league with Express while Lukwago was the last captain to win it with KCCA. It’s an exciting season ahead and we know we are set to do a good job.”

Ssenyondo revealed that preseason has not been smooth sailing, with several players away on national duty during the CHAN and World Cup Qualifiers, including Achai, Gavin Kizito and Joel Sserunjogi. Still, he insists the team is well prepared.

“We must appreciate that we haven’t had the whole squad together, but that shouldn’t be an excuse because those players also had valuable game time,” he said.

“Looking at preseason altogether, this is our seventh week—it’s just positives, and we are ready for the new season as we enter the last days of preparations.”

KCCA face SC Villa in the return leg of the FUFA Super Eight semifinal on Friday, trailing 2-1 from the first leg.

But beyond that immediate challenge, Ssenyondo’s focus is firmly on ending the club’s recent silverware drought and proving his credentials at a club that demands success.