He has only been at Villa Park for 2 months but the diminutive midfielder has won hearts of many a Jogoo fan. The shirt 15 despite being a midfielder has been used as a central defender in recent games and has not disappointed. In an exclusive interview with Kawowo sports, the midfielder tells us about his life at Villa Park and reveals that Mike Mutebi is the best manager he has worked under and that Noah Ssemakula is the most comic character in the Villa dressing room. Below is the full interview.
Who is Misi Katende?
Am humble and easy going dedicated soccer player at Villa. Born 18 years ago, SC.Villa is my first test of super league football. People call me Misi but am Hamisi though its no offence calling me the former as its a name my teacher at primary used on my PLE registration forms and it stuck.
Who inspired you to play football?
Xabi Alonso the Real Madrid midfielder. That man makes playing football look easy. He is the best midfielder in the world in my opinion.
How can you describe your life at Villa Park so far?
Mixed fortunes I must confess. I like the fans, technical staff, administrators and team mates. We get on together very well and I really feel at home. The only factor is may be the little salary and allowances but as an up coming player, am working hard so that my value rises and thus a pay rise. (Laughs)
What so far is your happiest moment at Villa and as a footballer in general?
My Villa debut versus Utoda at Wankulukuku is the best. Playing for Villa was a dream come true but scoring on my debut made it even more fantastic. The fans showed me a lot of love and gave me a lot of dime (money). It was the first time I got to experience this in my life.
And your saddest?
The day we lost 4-1 to Bunamwaya. It was a result that took time to get off my head. Probably the saddest day in soccer life.
Who is the toughest opponent you have ever faced?
(Shakes his head in disbelief). None. May be its because I have not played so many games.
And the best player you have ever played with?
Noah Ssemakula. That guy is a real talent.
Who is the best Coach that you have ever worked under?
I have not been under many coaches but of course it has to be Coach Mike Mutebi. You know being talented is one thing but assembling it in an organized manner is another, which is what Mike is doing to me. I have learnt a lot under him.
Who is the funniest player in the Villa dressing room?
There are many including Apollo Kakaire but I think Noah Ssemakula beats them hands down. Noah lights up a dull dressing room or bus with his unending jokes. I bet he can make it in comedy too.
In just two months at Villa Park, you have already played for national U-20 team against Rwanda, what was the experience like?
Unbelievable. Representing my country was a great honor. It was another dream come true. The cohesion, friendliness and conversation on the team bus could make you forget that we play for different clubs in the league. One thing I won’t forget is the nickname ‘debutant Katende’ the coaches called me on the day.
Goals have been a scarce commodity at Villa Park, is it because the team lacks clinical finishers?
I don’t believe that. Though am not technical, I believe in Musamali Paul and Wasswa Herman, we have two of the best strikers in the league. What you have to know is that there are so many faces at Villa and it takes time to gel but if we do, goals will come and am sure those two guys will tear defences apart. Secondly, I wish the manager plays them more in the central striking positions like it was at Ndejje in Uganda Cup ( Villa won 3-0 with Musamali scoring one in a move started by Wasswa) where in my opinion they fit better.
Where do you see your self in the next five years?
My dream is to play professional football in Europe and that is where I see my self in the next five years. Then, I see my self as a regular in the national teams say U-23 and the the Cranes
By the way, as a child, which clubs did you support?
Locally it was SC.Villa and internationally it is Arsenal
Your last words?
Thanks to all soccer fans especially at Villa. As players, we aim at making you happy and given time, the glory days will be back at Villa Park. Remember, even great empires were not built in one day.
