Uganda Premier League side KCCA FC has parted ways with eight players including defensive midfielder Gift Ali.
The club said that they have decided not to activate Ali’s second year option in his expired contract.
The former Police and Proline player joined KCCA FC in 2018, then under Mike Mutebi, when he signed a two-year contract.
He renewed his stay in July last year and his spell at the club has been partly marred by injuries.
Gigi, as he commonly known in football circles, has been one of the strong pillars at the club and was last year named an assistant captain to Benjamin Ochan.
Samson Kigozi and Yasser Mugerwa have had their contracts terminated.
Five players – Davis Kasirye, Innocent Wafula, Erisa Ssekisambu, Patrick Kaddu and Joseph Bukenya – have had their contracts not renewed on expiry.
“The club would like to thank the players for the memories over the years that they selfishly served. Everyone at the club wishes them the very best for the future,” reads a statement from the club issued out on Wednesday.
KCCA FC have so far confirmed two new signings – Moses Waisswa and Faisal Wabyoona – in the ongoing transfer window.
Player Retention At UPL Clubs Leaves A Lot To Be Desired
Last season, KCCA FC released over eight players, a list that includes Kalanzi Moses, Keziron Kizito, Filbert Obenchan, Kafumbe Joseph, Balinya Juma, Moses Aliro, Kato Samuel, Musana Hassan, Matovu Hassan not to mention Sserwadda Steven and Lukwago Charles who went out for greener pastures.
This has been their story, even during Mike Mutebi’s regime, and the same can be said of other clubs like Express, SC Villa, URA FC, Onduparaka.
URA FC have already confirmed release of over six players, it’s hard to guess who is remaining at Express, while SC Villa is failing to convince their core to stay after short contracts.
And these clubs will continue to sign over 10 players each window!
Keeping players for a while is key for team chemistry, a policy that has been ignored locally.
You may not fault these moves to a less extent as most players fail to make a good account of themselves but we have seen a couple of players sent away after just one season!
Yasser Mugerwa has referred to the news of his parting ways as fake news, adding that he has not terminated his contract as the club is suggesting.
Brian Aheebwa and Julius Poloto have been retained by Morley Byekwaso despite their spells being hit by injuries.
And a couple of players are expected to leave the club as well, including Sadat Anaku is set for trials in Scotland.
Release 8, sign 10… Same story in every window.
UPL Clubs twabaaki naye? pic.twitter.com/QsqUk8BUo1
— Brian Kawalya 🇺🇬 (@BrianKawalya1) July 6, 2022
