allAfrica.com: Uganda: El Classico! (Page 1 of 2)

KCC FC have not won the prestigious league title since 1997 but the Brian Omony-Robert Ssentongo marriage could ensure their latest attempt is not a false dawn, writes Fred Kaweesi

BRIAN Omony doesn't tell many stories about himself but, occasionally, he makes an exception. Like the one about an evening when he shunned attending an Economics class at Kyambogo University.

"There were these eyes awaiting me." KCC FC's latest whiz kid stated -recalling the momentous day when he plundered his first top-flight goal for the club in March with clear distinction.

After that goal, a winner over Iganga, Omony's face had been splashed on the back pages of all dailies.

The Kyambogo University student reacted by missing the next day's economics lecture. "I am this shy person, there's a way attention affects me."

Omony's shy and retiring nature certainly provided the most likely explanation.

In today's celebrity-crazed world, countless people become famous every week but real fame, the kind ascribed to people of true distinction, is much rarer.

It is clear from Omony's life testimony that he understands the difference.

When he kicked a ball about as a young boy in Naguru, his dream was to become a prominent star and not a celebrity.

He has dedicated himself to his career -occasionally ignoring the party and premiere invitations he gets. To him, there will be plenty of time to go to the celebrity events after he has won his first career medal.

Tonight against SC Villa, the KCC forward will not only get the opportunity of edging close to his relished dream, but also make domestic football grateful for how far he and his KCC side have developed in a season that has been arguably the best this decade.

The league's competitiveness, a justification of the sh8.4b GTV sponsorship, has thrown up a rare scenario in which, with three games to play, KCC, Police and Villa all have a chance to be crowned champions.

It is the first time since 1998 that the league title has gone to the wire.

But 1997 is the year that provided a real enthralling winner-takes-all clash between KCC and Villa.

The Men in Yellow had topped the table for the entire campaign but a late slump gave a resurgent Villa a chance to snatch it at the death. All the Jogoos had to do was beat KCC at Nakivubo -but alas the Blues fluffed their chance.

KCC have the slight advantage going into today's round of matches. However, just like in 1997, defeat at Namboole could see the season blow in their faces.

Like two great heavyweights hearing the bell for the 12th and final round, KCC and Villa have still taken the championship race to its ultimate conclusion. And at this stage, it will be all about bottle and who blinks first.

If ever there was a pivotal moment for KCC coach George Nsimbe, it is now. He has deservedly won the plaudits for leading his team to the crisp of the title with a perfect 30 points from their last 10 fixtures.

But the real test of his tactical acumen and man-management is today.

If Nsimbe is to do what his predecessors couldn't since KCC last won the title, then one of the main reasons for the giant leap forward will be the extra spring in the step of his players.

In terms of running off the ball, KCC have improved 70 per cent and the extra mobility has transformed them into a more formidable attacking unit. His players seem to be enjoying themselves, particularly Omony and Robert Ssentongo.

The pair has created a formidable scoring machine, with 23 goals between them this season.

However the barricade that stands between them and their eighth championship could emerge from Villa Park, where the Steven Bengo-Oscar Kadenge partnership has been some sort of marriage made in heaven. The chemistry and 17 goals between them has defined their season.

KCC against Villa has the potential to be a classic and both teams will boast players with the ability of stamping their authority on the fixture.

Below, are four players that could determine the destiny of the hyped match.

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