George Nsimbe has brought KCC to within one point of their first league title since 1997.
The hoarse-voiced Nsimbe took over the reins from Moses Basena on April 6, and has since secured 11 wins in 12 games. But what has been the secret to this success? "I had to bring the players closer like they're my younger brothers," Nsimbe said.

Striker Brian Umony indeed acknowledges that Nsimbe has been a father figure. "He told us that he believed in our ability. He allowed us express ourselves and made us a family."
And express themselves they have. It all started on a bright afternoon in Iganga…

Iganga v KCC
Charles Ssemanda's spadework made the difference. Ssemanda won KCC the penalty that central defender Sam Mubiru duly smacked home to give Nsimbe a 1-0 win on his debut.

Nalubaale v KCC
Nalubaale had just beaten Villa at Namboole, but KCC didn't buckle as they raced to a 2-0 lead through Umony and Robert Ssentongo strikes against the run of play. Although David Kiwanuka nicked in to score, Benjamin Ochan had a blinder in goal as KCC won 2-1.

KCC v URA
Morris Odipo made a mark in this one when he came on as a substitute for Owen Kasule. He headed in direct from a corner. Ssentongo's speed caused URA problems, and it wasn't surprising when he won a penalty that Mubiru hit home. URA pulled one back for the game to end 2-1.

Simba v KCC
After a legitimate Simba goal was disallowed in the first half, Ssentongo scored the lone goal from a seemingly offside position on 75 minutes.

Ediofe v KCC
What Villa and Police failed to do in Arua, Ronald Kamoga and Odipo did to ensure that KCC traveled back with maximum points. The absence of the potent Lewin Piyic-Ceaser Okhuti pair played in KCC's hands.

KCC v Maroons
Expected whitewash this. Ssentongo helped himself to a couple as KCC won 4-1.

Victors v KCC
Ssentongo couldn't stop scoring as his double in this Super Friday clash showed. Anthony Bongole had earlier opened the scoring with a rasping shot.

KCC v Maji
KCC had to thank Boroboro here for holding Villa after playing their part in a 10 O'clock game where they thumped hapless Maji 3-0. That man Ssentongo again bagged a brace.

KCC v Biharwe
Ugly match this. Biharwe, in a relegation rat-race, gave as good as they got. But there was no stopping Ssentongo as he pounced on a loose ball at the goal-line to slide home.

Boroboro v KCC
Boroboro has since petitioned FUFA for their disallowed goal from a free-kick against KCC who had Umony to thank for a slim 1-0 win in Lira.

KCC v Villa
A scrappy game that ended goalless, much to the chagrin of Villa. The Jogoos needed to win to remain in contention.

KCC v Police
An own goal and Umony's diving header guided the Yellow Lads to the threshold of their eighth league title.

jovi@ugandaobserver.com