By Denis West

 

As surely Monday follows Sunday, the next Uganda Cranes players are the ones witnessed at the 26th edition of the Copa Coca-Cola tournament in Mbarara. Buddo beat Kimanya 1-0 in the finals to lift their second trophy.

Over 1044 players were expected at the finals although the number was less as several teams were left with quite smaller squads mainly because of presenting ineligible players.

The quality of play has improved a lot as several schools have hired well tested coaches and some have compensated for the lack of such with team work and resilience.

 

But the following players left a big mark at the 26th edition of the annual tournament.

 

Goalkeeper: Aaron Bulibara (Mentor, Lira)

He rose to the podium when he faced Kitende. He made glorious saves in the 2-1 loss. But there was more as he exhibited good game reading and he commanded his backline perfectly. You couldn’t give Mentor any chance and they were always in danger, but he stood tall and the 11 goals swallowed could have been more if he was not between the sticks.

 

Peter Onzima (Jinja SSS)

According to  Kirinya-Jijnja SSS coach Charles Ayiekoh, he is the next big thing. He is primed for promotion to the senior team (that plays in the league) next season. He supports the wingers so well and contributes to goals.

 

Emmanuel Munoobi (St Juliana)

Coach Benedict Kiwanuka employed a three-man defence but Munoobi shone brightly. He has a natural left foot with admirable crossing yet he’s not shaky in defence.

 

Samuel Kato (Buddo)

His six years of Copa Coca-cola action have climaxed with a good outing in Mbarara. The youth international is a born leader but it is his composure makes him top material. He can dribble comfortably yet he never melts under pressure.

 

Najib Baitali (Jinja SS)

He’s a disciplined defender who rarely gets booked. He’s comfortable on the ball and handles aerial challenges majestically. He will be unleashed to the Super League next season with Kirinya-Jinja. Vipers pursued his signature in vain.

 

Daniel Oming (Sironko Progressive)

Born in Kole, Lira on 5th July, 2001, Oming, an S.3 student is the next Allan Okello. His calmness and precise passing was always a sight to behold.

 

Anatoli Irumba (Ryakasinga)

Irumba is a perfect winger with direct runs which torment opposing defenders. He has pace and is an exciting player with well-timed crosses.

 

Sunny Kaija (Kigezi HS)

He played for a largely physical side but whenever he had the ball, panic mode would be ignited in opposing defenders. He unselfishly makes assists and shoots so well.

 

 Frank Ssebuufu (Buddo):

There are many contenders here. Mentor’s Victor Enyenu, Nakaseke’s Alex Kigudde, Nahasson Niwemukama of Mbarara HS, Seiri Arigumaho, who drove Hands of Grace into the last 16 and Gabriel Matata of St Julian but Ssebuufu is in his own class. Acquired from Wagwa SSS, Ssebuufu paid off instantly with 11 goals until the quarters. He has pace, a killer header and deadly shots.

 

Masuudi Kafumbe (Buddo)

He was the chief architect of Buddo’s attacks especially after Goffin Oyirwoth failed to impress. Kafumbe, the Futsal League MVP has everything any coach desires in an attacking midfielder but height.

 

Thomas Kabaale (Nakaseke)

He is a joy to watch. The former Vipers’ youth player, who now plays for Bul fears no trouble. The 17-year old Kabaale’s artistry and forward runs drove Nakaseke to the door of the last 16.

 

Simon Peter Mugerwa (Buddo coach)

Mugerwa returned to Buddo an improved tactician after about four prodigal years as Masaka SSS coach that yielded only near-misses. Alongside George Lutalo, Mugerwa presided over the most attacking side in the tourney with 42 goals out of 555 scored overall.