He is one of the right back full backs primed to replace the ageing Simeone Masaba on the Uganda Cranes. Ever since he joined KCC FC at the end of the 2008/09 season, he has made the right back position his own a feat last achieved by current KCC FC skipper Richard Malinga in the early 2000s. Mpiima is a promising player with both offensive and defensive strengths. His discipline when it comes to defending is fantastic but is also good going forward due to his marauding skills. Following an exclusive interview with Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga, the real Saka Mpiima is unveiled. Let’s get started;
Name: Saka Mpiima
Date of Birth: 16th.june.1993
Position: Right full back
Current club: KCC FC
Previous clubs: CRO (2007/08), Kinyara (2008/09) and KCC FC (2009 – to date)
Preferred shirt number: I love to don jersey number 3. There is not so much attached to this but I adore Manchester United’s Patrice Evra so much. It’s the only reason I prefer this shirt number.
Club supported while young and why? On the domestic scene, I grew up supporting SC Villa. The likes of Hakim Magumba, Hassan Mubiru and that class of late 90s drew me to the club. Internationally, it’s Chelsea FC of England and the reason is simple; Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Best player played with and why? Uganda Cranes Vietnam based winger Moses Oloya is the best team mate I have ever had. As a right full back, nothing beats having a natural understanding with a right winger. Oloya was a perfect foil for me. His ability to cut inside while on the ball created a lot of space for me on the line thus realising my full potential as a right back. He is a gem on the flanks indeed.
Toughest opponent and why: SC Villa skipper Steven Bengo is one player who always gives me hard time whenever we meet. He is so talented that you can never know his next move when in possession. He crosses when you think he is going to dribble, passes when you think he is ready to shoot and shoots when you think he is going to pass the ball to his team mates. Un predictability is the perfect word to describe his game or style of play.
Best moment in career so far and why? That so far remains my national U-23 team debut versus Tanzania in the 2011 All Africa Games Qualifiers. I couldn’t believe being named ahead of Ayub Kisalita who was enjoying a rich vein of form then and had been on the team before. It remains my best career moment to date.
Worst moment in career so far and why: The day we lost the 2009/10 league title to URA FC still hurts me. All we needed was a win to be crowned champions but then conceded a late equaliser via Sam Mubiru header in the last minutes of the game and it was all over.
Who inspired u to play football? Former Airlines player Rogers Kityo is the man who inspired me to play football. While young, he bought me soccer boots and always ensured that I play football. He really inspired me a lot.
Who is your idol? Brazil and Barcelona right full back Dani Alves is one player I look up to. I learn a lot from his game especially going forward. His movement down the flank is a joy to watch.
Best meal: Rice and fish
Music local: I like local music and Gagamel boss Bebe Cool is my favourite artist
Best comedian / practical joker: Andrew Benon Kibuuka a.k.a Dube. His plays are educative but rib crackers
Wheels / cars: Limousine
Best TV programme: I like watching sports shows though I prefer ‘premier sports’ by Joe Kigozi on NBS
Your dream in the next five years: My dream is to play professional football and become a regular on the national team. I am working hard towards making that dream a reality.
