Former Uganda goalkeeper and coach George Mukasa died at Mengo Hospital on Sunday after a liver complication aged 79.
Mukasa won major titles as a player with KCCA FC before guiding both SC Villa and Express FC to their first major honours as a coach.
The soft-spoken tactician also shaped young talent at KCCA through the City Cubs youth programme during his later years.
Mukasa began his senior career with Nakivubo Boys in 1968 before moving to Express FC a year later.
Limited playing time behind Joseph Masajjage prompted his switch to second-tier KCCA in 1971 at the urging of coach Bidandi Ssali.
The move sparked a golden era as Mukasa helped KCCA secure promotion to the top flight in 1974 alongside stars like Jimmy Kirunda and Phillip Omondi.
Peers from the Kisenyi-Mengo football fields included Godfrey Kisitu, Wilson Nsobya and Timothy Ayiekoh.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether Mukasa's quiet demeanour caused his massive contribution to be overlooked by younger generations.
His death removes one of the last direct links to the foundations of Uganda's two most decorated clubs.
Mukasa will be remembered as a no-nonsense shot-stopper who became a cornerstone of Ugandan football history.
Source: Uganda Observer
