Last week, KCCA Football Club confirmed Morley Byekwaso Ochama as their next Manager replacing Manager Mike Mutebi who was sacked by the club in March with a few weeks to wind-up his contract.
Between March and June, Byekwaso filled the shoes of the Manager in acting capacity; however, after successful talks with the KCCA bosses, he was eventually handed the manager’s mantle in a three-year contract.
By releasing Mike Mutebi who had been at the club to close to five years and actually regarded as the most successful manager in the history of the club, KCCA FC showed that the club was ready for change in a new direction.
In Byekwaso KCCA FC saw a clear and smooth succession and progression.
With his good work ethic and ability to thrive under pressure, many critics are giving Byekwaso the benefit of the doubt and have high hope in him.
Byekwaso’s first-hand knowledge about KCCA and air of authority will be enough to keep KCCA as one of the title contenders.
Apart from his positive attitude and determination to turn something sour to his benefit, management, club players and fans, www.sportznow.ug writer Joseph Mary Ssempiira explains why Byekwaso is a good choice for KCCA FC.
He has a strong connection with KCCA FC and knows a lot of their players. Byekwaso played for KCCA and has coached as Assistant Manager on three spells under Matia Lule, George “Best” and recently Mike Mutebi with he served for close to five years.
As a player himself, he has operated at the highest level playing for all the traditional giant clubs i.e Sports Club Villa, Express Football and KCC Football in Uganda football at a time where all these clubs went for the best in the field.
Byekwaso has proven time and time again that he is excellent at dealing with pressure. He was Head of Victoria University Football Club in 2013 when they missed winning the national league by only a point to the eventual league winner KCCA.
At KCCA, Byekwaso already has players at his disposal that have showed success previously in the likes of Charles Lukwago, Peter Magambo, Julius Poloto, Filibert Obenchan; and promising youngsters like Steven Serwada, Saddat Happy Anaku, Samuel Senyonjo among others.
Byekwaso has the tactical knowledge and ability to handle KCCA FC.
He has a good backing of both players and fans because he has been around for long and has also been an integral part in the most recent KCCA successes locally and on the continent.
Byekwaso is passionate about the game and KCCA FC in particular. His determination has proven to be unrelenting. He embodies both passion and enthusiasm for the game.
With all eyes now on Coach Morley, there’s no denying that he’s going to feel the pressure; but with a reputation for making excellent decisions in heated moments together with his vast tactical knowledge and understanding of the club, the players and the management, there’s a good chance that he’s the best person for the job, despite replacing a person in Mike Mutebi who is considered to be the club’s most successfully manager.
Mutebi won three League titles, two Uganda Cups, four Super Cups and one CECAFA Clubs Cup in five years.
Taking over a club of this magnitude is certainly a big task but those that have Byekwaso’s back agree that he can handle it, even though this will only be his third club managerial role. While he might still be cutting his managerial teeth, there’s no doubt that he can have the same trophy-filled success at KCCA that he had as a player winning the league title in 1997 and 3 league titles as Assistant Manager under Mutebi.
For now, only time will tell if he has what it takes to keep the club in the top most league contenders’ positions.
While many naysayers have their doubts, his supporters make up the majority and he has been given a fair chance to re-build a rapport between the fans, staff and players.
