Forget his size, Ivan Ntege is one of the best midfield enforcers in the domestic league at the moment. He has a work rate that defies his diminutive size. His tackling and ball distribution are up there with the best. Most of the attacking midfielders in the league have confessed that Ntege is their toughest opponent and the reason given is simple; he is ever fit. What he lacks in size, he has in integrity, fitness and work rate.
In this week’s ‘Know your Star’ column, Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga unveils the real Ntege after an exclusive interview. Let’s get started:
Name: Ivan Ntege
Date of Birth: 8th/ September/1994
Position: Central midfield
Current club: Kampala City Council Football Club (Since 2009)
Previous Clubs: Nansana Youth Academy (1999-2005).
Preferred Shirt Number:
I prefer to don shirt 4. While young, my admiration for former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira was so strong and he used to don jersey no.4. It’s the number I don at KCC FC and I really love it.
Which clubs do you support both on the domestic and international scene?
As a kid, I supported KCC FC in Uganda and am honoured to play for the club of my childhood dreams. That’s why whenever i put on the club jersey; I play to my best of abilities. In Europe, I love Tottenham Hotspurs so much because I like their style of play. Quick free flowing game.
Best player played with:
I have played with a lot of good players but my captain at the club Richard Malinga remains the best. He is one player who will always encourage you to go on with the game. He offers good advice and his command as a skipper is fantastic. I feel comfortable with him on the pitch.
Toughest opponent ever:
Vipers SC skipper Robert Kimuli is the player I don’t enjoy playing against. He is tireless and never gives up. He is a good but hard tackler who keeps you on tenterhooks especially when you have the ball at your feat. Besides, he is difficult to dispossess. He is one player who always dominates me whenever we play their club.
Best moment in your career so far:
I have not heard so long a career to celebrate anything but still, the best moment so far remains my national U-17 debut against Zambia. I couldn’t believe that I was representing my country. It was a dream come true and remains my career highest moment.
Worst moment in your career so far:
Unfortunately, my worst moment also rotates around that Zambian game. It still hurts me that someone made a report to CAF that i was over aged by the time I featured for the team. These false accusations still hurt me now but I had to move on and am enjoying my game at the moment.
Who inspired you to play football?
I guess there is no one in particular but my childhood friends at home I must admit. They always encouraged me to take football to another level insisting that I had the talent.
Which player do your idolise?
That is Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane. I always wanted to be like him. He is one player who did his thing silently on the pitch. Besides, he was extremely talented but hard working.
Best Meal: Posho and beans
Music: I like gospel music a lot.
TV Programme:
Sports programmes and MTV base
Best practical joker:
Amarula Family is in their own class when it comes to comedy
Your dream in the next five years?
Like any other ambitious player, I want to become a professional player. However, it’s not just wishful thinking that will lead me to the dream, I must work for it.
