Caf Champions League
First leg, February 9
CNaPS Sport vs KCCA
Second leg, February 16
KCCA vs CNaPS Sport
Ugandan champions KCCA will once again expect a good run on the continent when the Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup get underway in February.
KCCA face Madagascan champions CNaPS Sport on February 9 and 16 in the initial rounds hoping to get the campaign rolling in style.
CNaPS have never gone past the preliminary round of the Champions League, which makes them – at least on paper – manageable opponents.
But KCCA midfielder Paul Mucureezi refuses to read into that, insisting it will be a tough encounter.
“We can’t underestimate any country champion,” said Mucureezi, “We should use same bravery like last season especially during away games.”
KCCA were eliminated by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns after two match days last season to drop into the Confederation Cup, where they made history by playing in the group stages.
Geoffrey Sserunkuma was their talisman at the time, netting six times on the continent.
But Sserunkuma has since moved to Zambia’s Buildcon.
“If we lost Sserunkuma, the coach (Mike Mutebi) knows the other option to see that team is better,” reasoned Mucureezi.
“Last time we lacked experience but we are now confident that we can beat CNaPS Sport, go throw out St George (Ethiopia) and make it to the group stages (of the Champions League),” he said.
KCCA regroup this week to prepare for the Uganda Cup encounter against Mbarara FC on February 4 before their continental adventure commences and the league resume.