Bright Anukani Back in the Picture as KCCA List Him for Second Round

Bright Anukani’s resilience has finally yielded reward after KCCA FC included him on their squad for the second round of the 2025/26 season.

At the close of last campaign, the Kasasiro Boys were keen to part company with the inventive midfielder despite him still having two years left on his contract.

Anukani had only rejoined the Lugogo outfit on September 1, 2025, penning a three-year deal as a free agent following his exit from Vipers SC.

What followed was a quiet but firm standoff.

With reported interest from rivals SC Villa and Entebbe UPPC FC, the expectation was that Anukani would swiftly move on.

However, the former Proline star stood his ground. The two sides could not agree on compensation terms, and the midfielder declined to walk away from a contract he believed rightfully bound him to Lugogo.

Left out of KCCA’s first-round squad for the 2025/26 campaign, many assumed his chapter with the 13-time league champions had quietly closed.

Yet behind the scenes, Anukani remained patient and professional. He continued training at the MTN Omondi Stadium, frequently featuring for the academy side and taking part in internal trial matches against the senior team, all while maintaining his focus and fitness.

His perseverance took a dramatic turn on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

To the astonishment of sections of the Lugogo faithful, Anukani was named in the matchday squad for KCCA’s Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 32 clash against Mbarara City. When he stepped onto the turf, it marked not just his first official appearance of the season, but a symbolic victory in a months-long battle of principle.

KCCA have now officially registered him for the second round, signaling a thaw in relations and a renewed opportunity for the 26-year-old to contribute on the pitch.

Technically gifted and comfortable between the lines, Anukani offers creativity in the number 10 role — an area where the co-coaching pair of Jackson Magera and Brian Ssenyondo have at times sought sharper incision. His vision, close control and eye for a decisive pass could prove vital as KCCA chase silverware on multiple fronts.

Beyond tactics and team sheets, however, this is a story of conviction.

In an era where players often take the quickest exit, Bright Anukani chose resolve over retreat. He stayed, he trained, and he waited. Now, with the second round underway, he has the platform to let his football do the talking.