KCCA FC braced for major squad exodus as seven players head for exit

Arafat Usama is among the players whose contracts have run down at KCCA FC. Photo by KCCA FC

Uganda Premier League giants KCCA FC are poised for a significant squad overhaul, with up to seven players set to depart following the expiration of their contracts.

Among those on the verge of exit are Brazilian forward Joao Gabriel Esteves Cardoso, Usama Arafat, Sadat Anaku, Filbert Obenchan, Umar Lutalo, Etienne Katenga, and Musitafa Mujuzi. Their contracts have either lapsed or are due to expire soon, and the club has yet to announce any renewals.

Usama Arafat and Etienne Katenga are already attracting interest from reigning league champions and double winners Vipers SC. The Venoms are keen to bolster their squad with the duo after their impressive individual performances despite KCCA’s underwhelming season.

Umar Lutalo, who joined the Kasasiro Boys during the January transfer window on a short six-month deal after a brief spell at Kitara FC, is also among those set to leave.

The 2024/25 season was one to forget for KCCA FC. The 13-time league champions finished a disappointing fifth in the Uganda Premier League, trailing eventual winners Vipers SC by 19 points. To add to their woes, they also fell to Vipers in the Uganda Cup final.

In addition to the expected player departures, KCCA FC is also in the hunt for a new head coach. The club is set to part ways with interim boss Jackson Magera Kaddu, who stepped in after the dismissal of Abdallah Mubiru earlier in the season.

With a new technical team and a looming squad rebuild, the upcoming transfer window could signal a fresh chapter for the Lugogo-based side.