KCCA co-head coach Jackson Magera says his side is ready to give everything in Thursday night’s Uganda Premier League derby against Express at Nakivubo’s Hamz Stadium.
Magera, who will lead the team in the absence of fellow co-head coach Brian Ssenyondo, currently with the Uganda U-17 team preparing for the World Cup, said the players understand the weight of this fixture and the need to rise above current form.
“We are prepared for the derby against Express. They are a good side that is playing well. They’ve had a fair start, but matches like these are usually not about current form but bragging rights and who wants it more,” Magera said. “We’ll give the game everything we’ve got.”
The coach emphasized that his focus is on precision in execution, especially in the final third, where KCCA has struggled to convert chances in recent games.
The Cityzens have collected five points from three matches—one win and two draws—and will be eager to bounce back after being held goalless by Lugazi FC last week.
Magera will welcome key returns, including Uganda Cranes duo Gavin Kizito and Herbert Achayi, who missed the last game due to fatigue from international duty.
Forward Emmanuel Anyama is also back from injury, providing more attacking options.
However, the team will be without several players, including left-back James Mubezi, Brazilian midfielder Joao Gabriel, and winger Etienne Katenga, all sidelined through injury. Teenagers Brian Jjara and Steven Oyirwoth are away with the national U-17 side.
Despite the absences, Magera believes his squad has enough depth and hunger to compete.
“We respect Express, but we’re focused on ourselves. The boys know what’s at stake, and we’re determined to put on a strong performance,” he added.
KCCA will be looking to extend their dominance in the fixture, having won 13 of the previous 33 meetings against the Red Eagles. The match kicks off at 8pm.
