KCCA FC co-head coach Jackson Magera has challenged his players to deliver with sharpness and conviction when they lock horns with rivals Express FC in a much-anticipated Uganda Premier League showdown on Thursday night at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
With fellow tactician Brian Ssenyondo currently away on duty with the Uganda U-17 national team, Magera will take full charge for the derby, a fixture that rarely disappoints in intensity or drama.
“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 youthful coach admitted that while his side has shown resilience, efficiency in front of goal remains a key area of concern. He stressed the importance of being clinical and composed in attack, something KCCA have lacked in recent outings.
HEAD TO HEAD. #KCCAFC #EXPKCCA #StarTimesUPL #ReturnOfTheRoar pic.twitter.com/kZb7pIRvy6
— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) October 23, 2025
The Cityzens have taken just five points from their opening three fixtures, a single win and two draws, and will be eager to rediscover their scoring touch after last week’s frustrating goalless draw against Lugazi FC.
Magera will, however, draw confidence from the return of a few big names. Gavin Kizito and Herbert Achayi, both of whom featured for the Uganda Cranes during the recent international break, are back in contention after sitting out the previous game due to fatigue.
There’s also a boost up front with Emmanuel Anyama declared fit again after a brief spell on the sidelines.
Still, the team is not without its setbacks. Left-back James Mubezi, Brazilian playmaker Joao Gabriel, and winger Etienne Katenga remain unavailable through injury. Meanwhile, teenage prospects Brian Jjara and Steven Oyirwoth are away with the national U-17 side.
Despite the absences, Magera remains bullish about his side’s depth and mindset.
“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 noted.
The last training ahead of #EXPKCCA #KCCAFC #StarTimesUPL pic.twitter.com/Wgsmswe9O1
— KCCA FC (@KCCAFC) October 22, 2025
KCCA will enter the clash with a psychological edge, having triumphed in 13 of the last 33 meetings with the Red Eagles.
The floodlights will be on and the stakes high when the first whistle blows at 8:00 p.m., as Kampala braces for another fierce city derby.
