Brian Ssenyondo has emerged as Uganda’s most decorated and successful coach of 2024, capping off an eventful year with two major trophies.
Ssenyondo won the Uganda Cup and the CECAFA U17 Championship with no other coach in the country matching his tally of silverware this year.
“I think I achieved the two trophies because of hard work and sacrifice,” Ssenyondo told NBS Sport.
Uganda Cup Triumph with Kitara
Ssenyondo’s first triumph came in May when he led Kitara FC to a 1-0 victory over NEC in the Uganda Cup final at Wankulukuku.
This marked a historic moment for the Hoima-based club, who had recently returned to the Uganda Premier League (UPL) after promotion in the 2023/24 season.
Under Ssenyondo’s leadership, Kitara not only competed favorably in the UPL but also stayed in the title race for much of the season before finishing in a commendable fourth position.
The club also featured in the CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers, though they were eliminated by Al Hilal Benghazi in the first round of the preliminaries.
Despite the exit, Ssenyondo considered it a significant milestone in his coaching journey.
However, a challenging start to the 2024/25 campaign led to his sacking.
A New Chapter with the Uganda Cubs
Ssenyondo quickly rebounded, taking over as head coach of the Uganda Cubs (U17 team).
It was here that he secured his second major trophy of the year, leading the Cubs to victory in the CECAFA U17 Championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a dramatic final at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, the Cubs came from behind to defeat Tanzania 2-1 in December, earning Uganda a spot in the 2025 U17 AFCON in Morocco.
“As a coach, you are always ready for what might come your way, and when it comes, you give it your all. That’s what I did with the U17s,” Ssenyondo remarked.
Aiming for the U17 World Cup
Looking ahead, Ssenyondo is targeting qualification for the U17 World Cup, set to take place in Qatar in November 2025.
Uganda will need to finish among the top 10 teams at the U17 AFCON to book their spot.
“Obviously, we are only looking at using the AFCON to qualify for the World Cup. That’s the only target, and we shall give it our all,” the 31-year-old vowed.
A Personal Milestone
Adding to his accolades, Ssenyondo also achieved his CAF A Coaching License in 2024, the highest coaching qualification on the continent.
“That was very exciting, and I am glad to have concluded the highest level of coaching on the continent. Let’s see what it comes with going forward,” he noted.
A Year to Remember
Despite the ups and downs, 2024 will go down as a defining year for Brian Ssenyondo.
From domestic success with Kitara to regional triumph with the Uganda Cubs, he has firmly established himself as one of Uganda’s brightest coaching talents.
