Usama Arafat confirms exit from KCCA, set to join Vipers

Usama Arafat has confirmed his exit from KCCA with an emotional statement on X.

The winger, on the verge of unveiling by rivals Vipers has spent over four seasons at Lugogo and leaves as a free agent after failure to agree on a new contract.

“I want to start by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey at KCCA,” he started.

“My time at this incredible club has come to an end and I am truly thankful for the support, guidance and opportunities I have received.

To the management, coaches, staff and my teammates – thank you for believing in me and helping me grow as a player and as a person,” he added.

Usama leaves the Kasasiro as one of the best players in the league and was part of the Uganda Cranes CHAN team last month and he is happy with the lessons.

“I will always carry the lessons and memories from this club with me. It has been an honor to wear the badge and I wish the club continued success in the years ahead.”

Why Vipers?

Kawowo Sports understands that Usama had interest from clubs abroad especially in North Africa but because KCCA asked for excessive training compensation fees despite the player being running down his contract.

According to reliable sources, KCCA asked for $ 100,000 in training compensation yet the most interested club could only offer half.

What is FIFA training compensation?

It is a fee paid to a player’s former clubs by their new club to acknowledge their investment in youth development. This payment is made when a player signs their first professional contract and for subsequent transfers until the end of the season, they turn 23.

The amount varies based on FIFA-defined categories of clubs and the number of years the player trained with the former club(s). In Usama’s case, he has spent four years at KCCA.

Who pays training compensation? 

• The club that signs the player for their first professional contract or transfers the player to their club.

Who receives training compensation? 

• The former club(s) where the player was trained.

When is training compensation paid?

• When a player signs their first professional contract. 
• For each transfer of a professional player between clubs in different national associations, up until the end of the season of the player’s 23rd birthday. 

With Usama joining Vipers, a club in the same FA, they are not obliged to pay the training compensation and it explains it was easy for the player to move.