The high-profile arrival of sharpshooter Ivan Ahimbisibwe at KCCA FC has sparked immediate buzz across Uganda’s football sphere, with the yellow end of the capital humming in excitement.
Known for his clinical finishing and all-round play, The Hunter has been tipped to change the dynamics of KCCA’s attacking department, leaving established forwards Derrick Nsibambi and Emmanuel Anyama walking a tightrope.
Ahimbisibwe joins the Lugogo-based side fresh from a prolific season where he netted 16 league goals in 29 appearances. With him comes a decent wealth of experience and a ruthless eye for goal.
For a club desperate to reclaim its might in the Uganda Premier League, his signing signals clear intent. However, this ambition comes at a cost to other strikers within the squad.
Nsibambi, a seasoned campaigner and a once-fan-favorite, now faces the stark reality of reduced minutes.
Since signing a two-year contract last year, he has struggled for consistency, scoring just twice in 15 league appearances.
The arrival of a proven finisher could push him down the pecking order or even force him to reinvent his role.
Meanwhile, Anyama, still trying to cement his place in the team, could curse luck after his late surge last season.
In his debut campaign at Lugogo, he netted seven in just 11 league appearances, with his goals coming at the tail end, after the sacking for ex-head coach Abdallah Mubiru.
The question stays, will he be trusted or, will he get forced into playing second fiddle to the freshest acquisition.
Sadat Anaku, on the other hand, has over the years been regarded as the future of KCCA’s frontline. Yet, he has failed to fully take it up to himself over the two separate spells in Lugogo. At the moment, his contract is up, and it waits to be seen whether he’ll stay and fight, or find solace elsewhere.
As ‘Kasasiro Boys’ fans celebrate this marquee addition, the dressing room will certainly feel the tremors. With the new season looming, Ahimbisibwe’s entry sets the stage for an intense battle for game time and glory.