Bright Anukani has opened up about the difficult period that clouded his return to KCCA FC, a spell marked by uncertainty, patience and resilience.
In July 2024, one of the biggest Uganda Premier League transfer moves saw Anukani rejoin KCCA on a three year deal after leaving Vipers SC as a free agent. It was meant to be a homecoming for the gifted attacking midfielder.
Instead, the story quickly changed. Before the season began, KCCA wanted him to leave but did not make his exit straightforward.
What followed were months without competitive football, doubts about his future at Lugogo, and growing speculation over a move that had lost its sparkle.
Anukani chose silence and focus.
“It wasn’t an easy situation, but I stayed calm because I knew the truth was on my side,” he told Pan-Africa Football. “I never stopped feeling like a KCCA player. Every day I trained, I reminded myself that my moment would come.”
That moment came on Sunday, 22 February. He made his competitive return in KCCA’s 1-0 win over Mbarara City in the Uganda Cup Round of 32 at Lugogo, coming on in the second half.
For Anukani, it was not about revenge.
“Coming back wasn’t about proving people wrong,” he said.
“It was about doing my job, helping the team and enjoying football again. When I stepped on the pitch, I felt relief, joy and hunger all at once.”
He admits the period was painful but says he refused to dwell on frustration.
“Football teaches you patience. There were days when it hurt, but I focused on staying fit, staying humble and being ready. I didn’t want to waste energy on negativity.”
To keep sharp, he featured for KCCA’s junior side, a humbling step for a player who has won league titles and built a reputation as one of the league’s smartest attacking midfielders.
His journey has taken him through Proline and Vipers, where he enjoyed success. But Lugogo has always felt like home, even in its toughest moments.
