KCCA FC contemplating taking up the CAF Confederation Cup slot

KCCA FC CEO Anisha Muhoozi during a recent meeting with other clubs. (FUFA Media).

FOOTBALL KCCA FC contemplating taking up the CAF Confederation Cup slot

Peter Tabu • 11:29 - 06.06.2023

Having finished second during the just concluded season in which Vipers claimed a domestic double, KCCA FC is expected to return to the continent as CAF Confederation Cup representatives.

Thirteen-time league champions KCCA FC created a wave during the two times they reached the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup and Champions League in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons, respectively.

Having finished second during the just concluded season in which Vipers claimed a domestic double, KCCA FC is expected to return to the continent as CAF Confederation Cup representatives.

However, as much as club CEO Anisha Muhoozi agrees that playing on the continent is a privilege that comes with many benefits like brand value and strategic opportunities.

It also comes with several costs despite FUFA providing 25 air tickets.

"For one to qualify for the group stages, three ties totalling six games have to be played before one reaches the money bracket," Anisha told Pulse Sports.

"So the associated costs and the lack of a home ground are part of why we have mixed feelings."

"However, we do not negate the exponential benefits of CAF, and as a club, this is a space we always desire to be," she added.

Pulse Sports understands that the Lugogo-based side would require up to Ugx 1.2B or even more to reach the group stages of the competition, with the costs like stadium hire, match officials, match day logistics and accommodation for the six games shooting up the budget.

Upon qualification, an increased budget is required to play the 6 group stage games due to the increased oversight by CAF in group stages.

The increase in prize money for both competitions, confirmed by CAF this year, is also a factor that Anisha welcomes but still insists they have to look at the overall perspective.

"It's great that the prize monies in both competitions were increased, which is a good leap, but the bottom line is when you play on the continent, you invest more than the return on investment."

"That said, clubs always look far beyond the costs but rather the prestige of CAF."

The CAF Confederation Cup prize money was increased from $275k to $400k for reaching the group stages, while in the CAF Champions League, a club earns $700k.

KCCA FC's last continental appearance came in 2020 when A.S Kigali eliminated them from the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.

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