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Traguil is in a race against time to find results, but whatever the case, the club must be patient with him, at least for now.
Three matches into the new Startimes Uganda Premier League season and KCCA FC are in unfamiliar territory. The Kasasiro Boys are languishing in the relegation zone with no points to show following three straight defeats.
A 1-0 loss to BUL FC opened the season and was quickly followed by two 2-1 home defeats against Maroons and Express to leave Portuguese tactician Sergio Traguil in a spot of bother.
It is not as rosy as was projected going into the new season and KCCA must get going sooner rather than later to avoid falling way off the pace in the title race.
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12:20 - 13.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Denis Onyango: Former Cranes captain reflects on challenges, optimism in journey towards future AFCON tournaments
While featuring on Supersport TV's 'Soccer Africa' Thursday night show, the distinguished Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper highlighted that the absence of home support and the Cranes' transition significantly impacted Uganda's qualification journey.
With a goal difference of -3, KCCA lies 14th on the log, just above Gaddafi FC and Arua Hill -the two tied on -4 and occupying the last two slots.
To make matters worse, KCCA's next fixture does not suggest that things will get easier. A challenging visit to Masindi to face early pace setters Kitara FC is what awaits Traguil and his troops after the international break.
Whereas teams cannot win the league at the start, they can certainly lose it, and KCCA are already in a situation that requires them to play catch-up in the race. Nine points off the pace is not a situation many expected for the new-look KCCA side.
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14:13 - 14.10.2023
FOOTBALL Byekwaso Praises Newcomers Despite Cranes’ Defeat to Mali
The showdown took place in Bamako at the Stade du 26 Mars. Morley Byekwaso, overseeing from the sidelines, saw his team edged out 1-0 by the Eagles.
But one thing the club must have in mind is the fact that there is a lot that has changed, and it will take time before things align and results start coming.
Questions will obviously be asked about Traguil's signings and how good they are for the club. The players from Brazil and Angola have yet to impress in the new season, but some showed glimpses of promise during the preseason to create the buzz at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
Emilson Gonzaga and Adilson Bruno have not solved the team's defensive struggles, at least not yet and might need some time to settle in with the rest.
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13:29 - 13.10.2023
FOOTBALL The friendlies are a precursor to the upcoming FIFA WC qualifiers – Khalid Aucho
In the absence of Emmanuel Okwi, Aucho, who is currently serving as the stand-in captain, asserts that the two friendlies scheduled in Mali and Zambia serve as crucial tests for the team, aiming to fine-tune their preparation for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Traguil has also come out openly to suggest that he needs a talented goalkeeper, something that will raise questions about his opinion on the current choices he has in the shape of Derrick Ochan, Anthony Emojong and Juma Mutebi.
Since taking over at the club, Traguil has won just three of the eight matches played, conceding in all but one, the 2-0 win over Wakiso Giants.
The Portuguese will probably have to find a number one between the sticks as the first step to solving his problems and arresting what appears to be a crisis at the moment.
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14:32 - 14.10.2023
FOOTBALL Olympic qualifier: Ayiekoh explodes into Uganda Crested Cranes job, drops senior players
Ayiekoh was appointed on an interim basis on a month-long contract and but his presence is being felt already.
It is one thing to play entertaining football and another to get results. The fans at Lugogo want both, and Traguil must deliver or his time at the club will be up.
While it is still early days in the campaign, the new manager is already running out of credit and must get on a run that will put him back in the title race, reignite the team's confidence and attract the fans' backing.
Will the board allow the Portuguese enough time? They will have to. Changing a coach would mean yet another fresh start for the club that is looking for stability and also desperate to win some sort of silverware this season.
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14:35 - 14.10.2023
WORLD CUP Uganda Queen Cranes’ defence worries Khalifa despite keeping cleansheets against Mozambique
The Queen Cranes dispatched Mozambique 8-0 on aggregate in the first round to set up a second-round battle against the better side between Senegal and Benin.
Considering that there will be no distraction of continental football, KCCA will have all focus on the league and the Stanbic Uganda Cup, and Traguil must get his hands on something in the end.
He will be pleased with how his team has looked in bits through the first three games despite losing. Chances are being created, and that is encouraging for the start.
Muhammad Shaban has started the season with two goals in three matches, and will be important for the club to negotiate this tough phase and get back to winning ways.
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13:49 - 14.10.2023
FOOTBALL Usama Arafat: Ismail Watenga salutes young brother on making Uganda Cranes debut
Meanwhile, Watenga wants their story to inspire many other budding stars: "I hope our journey inspires young boys and girls from Nakaloke, Mbale, and beyond."
Now Traguil must find a backline he can trust to keep out the opposition and a first-choice goalkeeper to deal with whatever danger comes KCCA's way.
And football is strange. A win against Kitara on October 20 can turn things around and jumpstart KCCA's season.
Traguil is in a race against time to find results, but whatever the case, the club must be patient with him, at least for now.
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