It was KCCA and Express FC competing for the title. KCCA, under the tutelage of Jaberi Bidandi Ssali, won their the league title after edging out Express by just a point.
It is now 45 years since that watershed moment for the KCCA’s first major silverware. Looking back, it is worth revisiting who was who in that team
George Mukasa:Â The temperamental goalkeeper had joined KCC from rivals Express in 1971. He kept five clean sheets in the campaign and featured in 16 games. Mukasa retired from football in 1978 and turned to coaching, handling clubs like SC Villa, Express, Coffee and Nsambya, among others. He stays in Mengo-Kisenyi.
Hussein Matovu: He was the second-choice goalkeeper having joined the club from Kilembe in 1975. His role cannot be underrated because he featured in six games. He retired from football and returned to his native Kasese.
Sam Musenze: The full back captained the side to victory. He joined the club from Fiat FC in 1972 and featured in all games. Later nicknamed `Life Captain’ by the club faithful, Musenze died on January 20, 1994.
Tom Lwanga:Â His partnership with Jimmy Kirunda in the heart of the defence was key to the success and he featured in all 22 games. He currently coaches the Parliament football team.
Jimmy Kirunda: The centerhalf had joined KCC from Express in 1971 and was an integral part of this side featuring in all the games and scoring three goals. He died on May 26, 2020.
Peter Wandyete: He was the unsung hero of this squad. The legendary defender, who joined KCCA in 1976 from Gangama FC, featured in 16 games. He spent 13-yers at Lugogo. He passed on this year on May 24.
Moses Nsereko: The midfield gem played all the 22 matches and was the club’s top scorer with 13 goals plus eight assists. He joined the club as a teenager in 1971together with Ibrahim Magala. He was murdered on September 15, 1991.
Moses Sentamu:Â He was seemingly the youngest player of the squad. The flying winger featured in all but one game and scored 10 goals in the campaign. He became a businessman and currently stays in Kabowa, Lubaga.
Christopher Ddungu:Â The forward joined KCCA from Lint FC and was the league top-scorer in the previous season (1975). He featured in 15 games and scored five goals. He stays in Salaama, a Kampala suburb.
Ibrahim Magala:Â The versatile player joined KCCA as a teenager in 1971and he is fondly remembered for his all-round game. He star retired after nine years at the club. He stays at Kiwatule.
Phillip Omondi: The stylish player got a nasty injury in the club’s seventh game on April 7, 1976. He scored five goals and spent more than a year on the sidelines. He died on April 21, 1999.
Billy Kizito:Â The winger joined KCCA from rivals Express in 1976 and was an important piece of this side having featured in 17 games and scoring five goals. He died on November 16, 1997.
Angelo Dotte: The industrious midfielder was an integral part of this team and played in all but two of the club’s league fixtures. He was injury-prone and ended his career in 1980. He returned to West Nile after retirement.
Other members of the squad include Rashid Mudin, Yusuf Toyota, Moses Matovu, Peter Mazinga, Haruna Nsubuga, Umar Shaban, Moses Sessanga , Samson Kaaya, William Mindrea and Apollo Lumu among others. Â
bzziwa@observer.ug
The author is The Observer operations director
