Patience, pain and purpose: Inside Anukani’s road back at KCCA FC

After months on the sidelines and away from the spotlight, Bright Anukani is back on the pitch and back with purpose in the Uganda Premier League.

My team @KCCAFC and I love trends 💛💙⚽️. Here is our direct free kick goal for the week.
Happy Eid celebrations. pic.twitter.com/r0fB6izPd4

— Bright Anukani (@BrightAnukani14) March 30, 2025

Speaking to Pan-Africa Football following his surprise return for KCCA FC, the creative midfielder opened up on a testing period that demanded patience, discipline, and belief.

Anukani made his long-awaited return during KCCA’s Stanbic Uganda Cup clash against Mbarara City on February 22, 2026, an appearance that caught many by surprise, including sections of the Lugogo faithful who believed his chapter at the club had already closed.

Reflecting on his time away from competitive action, Anukani described a period that tested him mentally more than physically.

“It wasn’t an easy situation, but I stayed calm because I knew the truth was on my side,” Anukani told Pan-Africa Football. “I never stopped feeling like a KCCA player. Every day I trained, I reminded myself that my moment would come.”

Before everythin else I want to tell you and to make you understand that this day is a day on which a fresh chapter of the history of this great club @KCCAFC begins. In this new era, a new work is commencing which it is the duty of all of us to perform 💛💙⚽️ pic.twitter.com/9NKMbOpWL0

— Bright Anukani (@BrightAnukani14) July 13, 2024

Despite being excluded from the first-round squad of the 2025/26 season, the midfielder continued training with the club often alongside the academy setup quietly waiting for his opportunity.

“Football teaches you patience,” he said.
“There were days when it hurt, but I focused on staying fit, staying humble, and being ready. I didn’t want to waste energy on negativity.”

Rather than harboring resentment, Anukani insists his comeback is driven by ambition and responsibility to the badge.

“Coming back wasn’t about proving people wrong,” he explained.
“It was about doing my job, helping the team, and enjoying football again. When I stepped on the pitch, I felt relief, joy, and hunger all at once.”

That hunger, he believes, can now be channeled into tangible success for the club as the season progresses.

“My goal is simple,” Anukani said.
“I want to help this team win silverware. Whether I start or come off the bench, I want to contribute goals, assists, and leadership.”

With KCCA still searching for consistency in the creative midfield department, Anukani now presents an added option for the co-coaching duo of Jackson Magera and Brian Ssenyondo, particularly in the number-10 role.

The midfielder is clear that he’s not asking for favors, only a fair chance. “I don’t expect anything handed to me,” he said.
“All I ask for is the opportunity to play. If I’m given minutes, I believe I can help the team and repay the trust.”

Anukani’s return is more than just a squad update, it’s a reminder of resilience, professionalism and standing firm when circumstances get uncomfortable.

“This experience has made me stronger,” he concluded.
“I’m grateful to be back, grateful to be playing, and fully focused on what lies ahead with KCCA.”

As the season enters a decisive phase, Bright Anukani is back where he believes he belongs on the pitch, in yellow, and ready to fight for success.