In the vibrant realm of Ugandan women’s basketball, the KCCA Leopards have long been a symbol of excellence and prowess. However, a noticeable drought in championship victories since 2014 and an absence from the WNBL Finals since 2018 have left the Leopards yearning for a resurgence. The stakes are high, and the spotlight is now on the return of Coach Roger Serunyigo, the last man to guide the Leopards to a WNBL Finals in 2017. With renewed ambitions and a star-studded roster, can Serunyigo orchestrate a triumphant comeback for the KCCA Leopards?
Rewind to 2014, the last time the KCCA Leopards secured a WNBL Championship. The team was a force to be reckoned with, led by the talented Claire Lamunu. Fast forward to 2017, when the Leopards found themselves in the WNBL Finals once again, under Serunyigo’s guidance. However, a 4-0 sweep at the hands of the UCU Lady Canons marked a turning point, and the team has struggled to reclaim their former glory since then.
The 2017 finals loss was notably attributed to the absence of Martha Soigi, a critical player who was expected to rival the UCU Lady Canons’ Velma Achieng. Soigi’s maternity leave highlighted the importance of key players in the Leopards’ lineup and raised questions about the team’s depth and resilience. The same period saw the emergence of JKL Lady Dolphins and most recently JT Jaguars. Before the emergence of these star-studded teams, good players either went to UCU Lady Canons or KCCA Leopards but now more good teams compete for the finest players.
Following the 2018 season, a coaching shakeup ensued. Coach Roger Serunyigo fell out with the KCCA organization, paving the way for Coach Mavita Moses and later Miller Fitzgerald. However, neither coach could guide the Leopards to the coveted WNBL title. The coaching instability raised questions about the team’s direction and leadership.
“My job here is to make sure the KCCA Leopards return to the WNBL Finals, a place I once was with them.” – Roger Serunyigo.
After departing from the KCCA Leopards, Roger Serunyigo took charge of the Kampala International University (KIU) Rangers. His tenure witnessed a bronze finish in his first attempt and promised potential glory in the subsequent season. However, a surprising dismissal from his coaching duties just as the Rangers were poised for success left many perplexed.
Serunyigo’s return comes with a promising influx of talent from his previous coaching stint. Perus Nyamwenge and Ninnette Muhumuza, both All WNBL First stars from the Rangers, join the Leopards in their quest for redemption. How will these additions impact the team dynamics, and can they fill the voids that hindered the Leopards in previous seasons?
As the KCCA Leopards embark on a journey to reclaim their status as a dominant force in Ugandan women’s basketball, the return of Coach Roger Serunyigo adds a layer of intrigue and optimism. The challenges are evident, but with experience, a star-studded roster, and a coach determined to rewrite the narrative, the Leopards may well find themselves back in the WNBL Finals, chasing the elusive championship they once held so proudly. Only time will tell if Serunyigo’s return will be the catalyst for the revival of KCCA Leopards’ basketball glory with the emergence of Uganda Women basketball powerhouses like JKL Dolphins, JT Jaguars, and UCU Lady Canons.
By Cucu Brian.
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