Quick Fix is not Good in Football but I had to Improvise – Jjaja Leo on Asubo LFC Instant Positive Change
Asubo Ladies FC, one of the oldest clubs in women’s football in Uganda, currently sits 9th on the log of the ten teams in FUFA Women Super League.
The Kyebando Village originated club that came into existence in late 2012, it has been rebranding, changing names from Gafford Girls Soccer Academy, to Gafford Ladies FC, Asubo Gafford Ladies FC and now Asubo Ladies FC.
It was one of the clubs that struggled to maintain the status quo in Women’s topflight league last season and they needed to wait up to the judgment day to secure their slot in the league for the following season.
Like it was in their first season [2022/23] in topflight league, when they had a poor start of the season losing four out of their first five league matches, the same history had followed them even in their second season [2023/24].
However, this time round the club management under Henry Barungi [Club president] and his CEO Kayima Huzairo never waited to fight relegation in second round like they did last season.
After losing two opening home conservative games, 5-0 against the league returnees, She Maroons, 4-1 against Lady Doves, they opted to bring in coach Ssekamatte Leo aka Jjaja to take on the team as head coach.
His first full game on touchline was against newcomers, Wakiso Hill WFC and at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende, Asubo Ladies lost 3-1 to the home side.
His next game in charge of the team was again on road, played against second placed side, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC and secured the first point for the team following a two all draw at St Gerald ‘stadium’ Lubaga.
His first home game while in charge, Ssekamatte Leo got the team’s first win of the season, beating UCU Lady Cardinals on Sunday this week 1-0, thanks to Aziiza Amulen Amoding only goal.
In an exclusive interview with this website about how he quickly fixed the challenges at Asubo, Jjaja Leo revealed that it’s not good to have quick fixing but at certain point, you need to Improvise.
“I thank Asubo Ladies FC management, they trusted me and gave me the job.” Says Jjaja Leo in his preamble.
“I thank the coaches I found at the team, they played their part and did a great job. The challenge I found, I didn’t do preseason with the team, meaning I got no enough time to understand the girls and where their ability and potential is.”
“In football coaching, quick fixing is not good but there are situations when you need it, I came on the team when they have already played two games so I had to fix as a technical personnel entrusted with the job to see that there is instant improvement.” He commented.
“So I use my experience I spent in football especially academy football and lower level football and it has helped me a lot here.”
“However, as a technical team we have to develop these ladies and even the national team gets more players from Asubo because I see the ladies have potential to represent this club.” Says Coach Ssekamatte Leo.
The former Vipers SC trainer believes that the girls are good, only need time to produce what’s in their ability.
Aziiza Amulen, the club’s top scorer, now with two goals told this website that Leo is a believer, hardworking and he instills that in players.
“Coach Leo is a believer, hardworking, he never lose hope, believes that everything is possible and every player can play, he always preach togetherness, and we play as a team.” Amulen told this website.
The Club’s technical director, Wabwire Stefan in one of his conversations with this site, he highlighted the Leo is a good coach, spent a lot of time in youth football, though not women football, but he has experience to handle the female team that’s why they entrusted him with the job.
Who is Leo?
Coach Ssekamatte Leo aka Jjaja is a CAF C license holder, got out of active football early due to knee injury.
Leo during his playing time, he started with Luweero Kids League, went to MTN Academy, KJT, Red Stars FC in Kawempe and finally Villa Joogo in between 2010 and 2011 where he acquired a knee injury that pushed him to coaching at early age.
Jjaja Leo started coaching at KJT, worked with them between 2012 and 2016, he also worked as a trainer at KJT Rweshama that played in topflight league.
Leo is a two time Masaza Cup champion, 2019 won with Bulemeezi as an assistant coach to Simon Peter Mugerwa, won again in 2021 with Gomba again as an assistant coach.
Worked at Vipers SC under Fred Kajoba and he was one of his trainers.
Currently, Leo is working with Asubo Ladies FC and Prosper Soccer Academy but before joining, he was an assistant coach to Frank Mulindwa at Buweekula.