The sight of Kitara coach Wasswa Bbosa animatedly barking instructions from the VIP stands, walkie-talkie in hand and tactical notes relayed through a messenger, former Uganda Cranes and SC Villa forward Hassan Mubiru, was a sad and telling picture at Hoima City Stadium. 

Here was a coach desperate to influence a contest from which he was physically and officially detached.

Bbosa, still without the requisite papers to occupy the dugout, watched helplessly as Kitara surrendered a first-half lead to lose 2-1 to Al Ahly in the Caf Confederation Cup. 

With the return leg looming in Cairo on Sunday, the Royals could be forgiven for wishing their most vocal presence was closer to the touchline.

Bbosa-Lutalo bromance

This is not to diminish deputy George Lutalo, Bbosa’s Caf A-licensed brother-in-arms, who has worked alongside his boss at virtually every coaching posting.

 A seasoned tactician and smooth operator, Lutalo is more than capable of steering Kitara through choppy waters. But competence and character are different currencies.

Where Lutalo exudes composure, Bbosa brings confrontation, urgency and a relentless, go-getting temperament. The two share a footballing language, yet their matchday personalities are markedly different.

 Kitara have been moulded in Bbosa’s image, a side accustomed not merely to his tactical instructions but also his touchline theatre, commanding presence and morale-boosting roars.

Dearly missed

The distinction was palpable against both Mogadishu City and Al Ahly in this continental adventure. Against the Somali side, Kitara enjoyed home comforts in Hoima despite their opponents being the nominal hosts. Against the Egyptian giants, however, the stakes rose and the absence of their head coach’s hands-on authority became an uncomfortable subplot.

Even pitchside photographers could hear Kitara players berating underperforming colleagues during the 2-1 defeat, with suggestions that they would face Bbosa’s wrath upon returning to the dressing room.

 The tough disciplinarian may be barred from the technical area, but he retains access to the dressing room, where he can deliver a pep talk and compare notes with Lutalo.

That duality defines Bbosa’s place in Kitara’s operation: a demanding matchday taskmaster and a father figure beyond it. His absence from the touchline leaves a gap that tactical diagrams and relayed messages cannot always fill.

It was equally evident during the post-match press conference, where Bbosa’s yearning for the dugout betrayed a slight disconnect from the unfolding action. His hope, though, remains undimmed.

“Just like they have come here (Hoima) and won, we can also do it in Cairo and qualify for the group stages,” he said, insisting that rectifying first-leg mistakes is paramount. “I know it will be difficult in Cairo but nothing is impossible in football.”

Kitara need to win by two goals to advance. In Cairo, Lutalo must supply the tactical calm while his boss, from a distance, hopes the Royals can find their roar again.