16 May 2008
column
If sports philanthropist Michael Ezra ever fulfills his dream to create a Hall of Fame, the person I would most enthusiastically nominate would be George 'Best' Nsimbe. The Kampala City Council FC coach is an affable chap and born winner.
Down to earth to the point of self-deprecation, Nsimbe has defied his unyielding demeanor and non-existent track record to steer KCC to the precipice of their first league title since 1997 with a coaching record that would make Jose Mourinho envious.
I am willing to bet a little fortune that no tactician in the history of football has won ten games in a row at the start of his coaching career. Nsimbe did that and more.
He surpassed the club's best ever record of eight consecutive wins set in the 1976 championship winning season and fell just one win short of equaling the all time league record of eleven wins in a row set by SC Villa in their 1986 title winning season.
This is the stuff of legends. It was perhaps fitting that it was Villa that halted KCC's run with a goalless draw on May 9.
Yet, one has to wonder whether Nsimbe's side wouldn't have matched that record if they needed victory on the day. KCC only needed a draw and duly cruised to it without stepping into second gear.
So what is Nsimbe's trick?
The former midfield bruiser has lifted the team's spirit to an unprecedented level. Morale was low when Moses Basena left mid-season with the team on a five-game winless run.
Nsimbe's first accomplishment was to restore self-belief, team work and to use his words 'cohesiveness' to the side.
It worked wonders. Recently recalled Cranes striker Robert Ssentongo was brought out of oblivion and he repaid the coach by scoring ten goals in eleven games. An often blunt KCC attack became the most lethal, averaging two goals per game. But it is steadiness in defense that has made the most telling contribution.
Mid-season recruit Asumani Buyinza, who was signed from Kinyara, has steadied the defence, playing along Cranes left back Sam Ssenoga, Hippos keeper Benjamin Ochan and rejuvenated captain Sam Mubiru.
In the 12 games Nsimbe has been in charge, KCC has conceded just three goals. Part of of the credit has to go to teamwork which allowed KCC to defend from the front.
Nsimbe dropped colourful players who lack the bite. Jamil Kyambadde, Vincent Kayizi and occasionally Owen Kasule, the best passers in the team, have often had to make way for their less illustrious but more industrious team mates.
If, as expected, KCC avoid defeat to Bunnamwaya in their final game or SC Villa fail to beat Police by eight goals, Nsimbe will have achieved an unprecedented feat in Ugandan football.
That is good enough for the Hall of Fame.
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