By Denis West

It was hard coming up with these best eleven selected performers in the just concluded Uganda Premier League season won by Vipers. Players like Onduparaka goalkeeper Nicholas Sebwato Villa duo of Joseph Nsubuga and Bernard Muwanga, Jinja SSS budding pair of Godfrey Akol and Fred Amaku plus Viane Sekajugo (Onduparaka) pushed hard for slots but narrowly miss out on my final coveted list.

Charles Lukwago, goalkeeper (KCCA)

With over 10 clean sheets, Lukwago is not here by mistake.

Solid, composed and improved, Lukwago was that man that kept KCCA in the title race, throw the final lap, until they wobbled in 2-2 with Police at Namboole (on the day Vipers clinched the title with a 4-1 demolition of UPDF) – in a match he missed.

Mustafa Kizza (KCCA)

An left back that balances defending and making over 10 assists in 11 league games takes the day.

That is Under-20 marauding KCCA defender Mustafa Kizza and it is majorly for this that he gets the nod over John Adriko of Villa.

Timothy Awany (KCCA)

Since KCCA manager Mike Mutebi handed him the captain’s armband, Awany players like a possessed man.

He commands with authority, has grit and drives the team forward. Only Vipers Geoffrey Wasswa comes close in doing this.

Henry Katongole (SC Villa)

A great game reader and pass passer, Katongole remains solid as he was when playing for title winning Express back in 2012.

Alongside Bernard Muwanga, Katongole has ensured Villa conceded the least number of goals this season.

Nicholas Wadada (Vipers SC)

Villa’s Joseph Nsubuga and Maroons’ Eddie Kapampa are possible contenders but none has that consistency, crossing ability and vitality of Nicolas Wadada.

He has led Vipers from the back and continues to be a reliable source of assists.

Nicholas Kasozi (SC Villa)

He has charmingly and energetically protected Villa’s back four and initiated moves forward with flamboyance.

Kasozi has been a jewel in Villa’s midfield as they pushed the title bid that never was.

Taddeo Lwanga (Vipers SC)

Vipers got a bargain in recruiting Lwanga from Villa at the start of the season.

The electrical engineer has been a domineering force in the middle park, fusing grit and intelligence to come out on top. With him came that added leadership bonus that earned him the deputy skipper role.

Milton Karisa (Vipers SC)

Twelve league goals from the wings is no mean feat. Karisa embodied Vipers’ fighting spirit even when he shone less in the big games.

He complimented Dan Sserunkuma in attack and gave the coaches that much needed plan B.

Martin Kizza (SC Villa)

There was a time Villa relied on him for victory in seven games and he delivered. He helped the Jogoos floor the big guns and when he was suspended, they felt every bit of his absence.

The 10 goals from a left winger speak volumes of his meticulous performance. He is indeed a genuine MVP contender at the league awards.

Nelson Senkatuka (Bright Stars)

From the unappreciated striker at KCCA and Proline who struggle to make nine goals a season, Ssenkatuka pulled it off with 15 this time and should have should more had he played the last game against Onduparaka.

One wonders who will fill his boots is the current trials in Japan go according to plan because managed just 24 goals this term including his 15!

Daniel Sserunkuma (Vipers SC)

Even his haters would nominate him here. His six goals and stellar contribution for Express in the first round were seemed enough to earn him plaudits before he added 11 goals at new side Vipers with pleasing displays.

To many, he is the runaway favourite to win of the best play gong.