Kitara FC have received a boost after CAF cleared four players and most of their technical team for Saturday’s return leg against Mogadishu City.
Murushid Juuko, Nicholas Kasozi, Martin Kizza and Jonah Byamukama are now available after missing Sunday’s first leg because they weren’t cleared in time for the tie
The latest update also clears the rest of his technical team of Hassan Mubiru, George William Lutao, Andy Lule but not head coach Wasswa Bossa
Bbosa followed the proceedings of the first leg from the stands while Kitara managed the technical-area restrictions caused by CAF requirements.
Kitara eventually beat Mogadishu City 2-1 at Hoima City Stadium, recovering from an early setback to establish a narrow first-leg advantage.
That match started 34 minutes late as clearance problems involving Kitara’s technical staff created uncertainty shortly before the scheduled kick-off time.
The situation forced Kitara into late technical adjustments, although the Royals recovered strongly enough to carry an advantage into Saturday’s deciding fixture.
Juuko’s availability gives Kitara additional experience in defence, while Kasozi provides another established option for controlling the midfield against Mogadishu City.
Martin Kizza and Byaruhanga further strengthen the squad, offering Bbosa more selection flexibility before a match that could extend Kitara’s continental campaign.
Their return also increases competition across the squad after Kitara were forced to negotiate the opening match without several registered players.
Saturday’s contest will again be staged at Hoima City Stadium, although Kitara will officially operate as the home side for the second meeting.
Mogadishu hosted the opening leg at the same venue because Somalia currently lacks an approved stadium for hosting the CAF Confederation Cup fixture.
Kitara enter the return match holding a 2-1 aggregate advantage, although the narrow margin leaves the preliminary-round contest firmly alive.
The Somali champions must overturn that deficit on Saturday, while Kitara need another disciplined performance to secure their passage into the next round.
CAF’s preliminary-round draw places Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the next round against the winner between Kitara and Mogadishu City.
For Kitara, however, the immediate priority is completing the job with a deeper squad and a stronger technical bench available.
The remaining clearance issue surrounds Lutalo, who will not be available on the bench despite the wider technical team receiving approval.
Kitara will now hope those additional options provide the control and experience required to protect their advantage before another expected large Hoima crowd.