It was SC Villa skipper Andy Mwesigwa who missed the decisive penalty to seal the Jogoos’ fate on the Friday night at Namboole stadium. It has been 16 years since that memorable game; therefore, let us take a look at where the members of the squad are presently.
HANNINGTON KALYESUBULA: He was signed from SC Villa in 2004 and became the club’s first choice goal keeper. He had a stellar career with the Cops, where he went on to guide them
to the 2006 Cecafa Cup title. He later joined the paid ranks in Ethiopia but he currently lives in China.
AUSI KAAYA: He was signed from Simba and turned the right full back position his own. He played a key role helping the team register its only major title. He later moved to KCCA but unfortunately he passed away on July 15, 2018.
LAWRENCE SEGAWA: The towering left-footed player was recruited from Standard High, Zzana. The versatile player scored one of the penalties in the shoot-out. He lives in South Africa.
DAVID YIGA: He was signed from SC Villa and was handed the club armband. He converted his penalty to make sure the title settles at Kibuli Police headquarters. He is now a businessman based in Ndeeba.
SIRAJE SSEVUME: The sweeper was recruited from Mutundwe Lions to become a permanent fixture in this side. He later left Police and joined Soana (now Tooro United). He lives in Nateete, a Kampala suburb.
DAN MUBIRU: He transferred his experience from SC Villa to Police. The combative player was the de facto leader and also their most experienced player.
NANIK MUZAMIRU: Another fondly remembered player who converted his penalty kick. Signed from Wolves in 2003, he was solid in the midfield. He currently coaches Kisugu United.
ALEX KATEKE: Another product from Standard High, Zzana. The right winger looked slow but his intelligent crosses yielded many goals. He has since passed on.
MARTIN MUWANGA: He was signed from Top TV before the start of the 2005 season and became the club’s top marksman. His camaraderie with Geoffrey Massa is the reason Police became champions. He emerged the league top-scorer with eleven goals. He currently plays football in Vietnam.
GEOFFREY MASSA: The highly-rated player was signed from Mbale Heroes. His physicality and pace greatly troubled teams that season. He left Police and joined the paid ranks and he is currently a member of the Uganda Cranes technical team.
SULA LWANGA: The left winger was recruited from Entebbe FC to become part of that lethal striking line. He currently stays in Maganjo, along Bombo road.
ROGERS KYEYUNE: He had just returned to Police after unsuccessful stint at KCCA. He was used as a sweeper and sometimes as a striker. After ending his football career, he became a businessman based at Kisekka market.
BAKER KIGONGO: A talented young player who was recruited from Old Timers FC. The left winger was used sparingly due to his lack of toughness.
He left Police shortly after the 2005 season and moved to Express. He now works at Next Media. Other key players include Ignatius Kyagulanyi, Umar Kasule, Jonathan Lutaaya, Sabastian Samanya, Tony Waiswa and Atib Mohammedo.
hbzziwa@observer.ug
The author is The Observer operations director.