URA Are Champions

Andrew Mwanguhya, James Ssekandi and Abdu Wasike

25 May 2011

Kampala/Wankulukuku — Robert Ssentongo’s fifth and sixth goals since joining from Tanzania’s African Lyon in January were enough to hand URA their fourth title in six years and Alex Isabirye’s first title as coach in his maiden season.

Going into the game, URA needed just a point to secure it but did more than enough. KCC, with 47 points, had to score at least four without reply against URA, and net another unanswered eight in their last two games against Utoda and Police to stay in it. “I dedicate the win to the URA administration for entrusting me with the challenge and to the players who have put in hard work,” said Isabirye.

For KCC’s Matia Lule, it was majesty in defeat: “We gave it our all but URA were the better side over the campaign.” KCC pressed and passed to the script in the first half with Ivan Ntege and Kamada Ndiefi combining beautifully with Brian Majjwega. But it was Steven Bengo’s brilliance that made the difference. The midfielder audaciously teed up Ssentongo, who clinically beat KCC keeper Godfrey Wakabu to his right on 31 minutes against the run of play. KCC levelled when URA keeper Brian Bwete failed to deal with a high ball, dropping it and Andy Ssekayombya gladly burying home five minutes to half time.

Trophy blushes

But URA again took the lead after 61 minutes with leading league scorer with 14 Hamis Kizza, finding Ssentongo, who luminously turned before beating Wakabu. Meantime, last minute improvisations saved the USL administration blushes after some members arranged at half time to have the trophy transported to Nakivubo and presented to URA.

Initially, the USL had arranged to hand over the trophy at a dinner on a venue yet to be confirmed but pressure from journalists – and the fact that world over trophies are presented at stadiums, not dinners – they reconsidered. But disturbingly, the champions played their last game while other teams still have three left. Elsewhere, Dan Sserunkuma and Obed Mayanja each scored a brace and Yudah Mugalu added the other as Victors thumped Gulu 5-0 at Pece Stadium.

Yesterday’s results

KCC 1-2 URA

Gulu 0-5 Victors

Utoda1-0 Simba

Champions since 1968

1968:Prisons

1969: Prisons

1970: Coffee

1971: Simba

1974: Express

1975: Express

1976: KCC

1977: KCC

1978: Simba

1979: UCB

1980: Nile

1981: KCC

1982 : SC Villa

1983: KCC

1984: SC Villa

1985: KCC

1986: SC Villa

1987: SC Villa

1988: SC Villa

1989: SC Villa

1990: SC Villa

1991: KCC

1992: SC Villa

1993: Express

199: SC Villa

1995: Express

1996: Express

1997: KCC

1998: SC Villa

1999: SC Villa

2000: SC Villa

2000: SC Villa

2001: SC Villa

2002: SC Villa

2003: SC Villa

2004: SC Villa

2005: SC Police

2006: SC URA

2007: SC URA

2008: SC KCC

2009: SC URA

2010:Bunnamwaya

Top scorers

Hamis Kizza14 goals

Herman Wasswa10 goals

Godfrey Wakaza9 goals

Yudah Mugalu6 goals

Robert Ssentongo6 goals

Julius Okocha5 goals

Steven Bengo5 goals

Emmanuel Kalyowa5 goals

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