He may not be the most talented of football players in the country at the moment but no one questions the commitment and discipline of SC Victoria University’s central defender Tony Waiswa.
Waiswa nicknamed Detonic by his team mates came to the limelight after captaining SC Victoria University to Uganda’s topflight soccer division. He is a no nonsense defender with quick decision making and his style is one of the reasons his side has conceded the fewest goals and is yet to lose a game in the 2012/13 Fufa Super League season. His versatility means he can also play at right full back. Like his brother Andrew Mwesigwa (Uganda Cranes skipper), Waiswa is also a born leader who was also skipper during his stint at Aurum Roses. In this edition of ‘Know your star’, Kawowo Sports’ ISMAEL KIYONGA caught up with him and unleashes the real Waiswa;
Name: Tony ‘Detonic’ Waiswa
Date of Birth: 26th.03.1991
Position: Central defender
Current club: Sports Club Victoria University
Previous Clubs: Jogoo Young (2008-09) and Aurum Roses (2010).
Preferred shirt Number: I love to don shirt number 14 and it’s the one I don at SCVU at the moment. I like it and it has been my lucky number. Besides, I have seen captains don it. For instance, my brother and Uganda Cranes captain Andrew Mwesigwa and then Harambe Stars Cecafa skipper Anthony Kimani also don the same jersey number.
Clubs supported as a child (Local and international and why?): In Uganda, I grew up supporting Express FC and the reason is crystal clear; their red jersey while in Europe, I support Real Madrid because of their style of play and history. They are the best club in the world by all standards.
Best player played with and why: Nestroy Kizito is the best player I have ever played with. He is calm, reads the game well and commands the rear guard excellently. From him, I have got to learn a lot of things. Forget his seniority, he is a respectful lad.
Toughest Opponent and why: I have faced so many good players but none comes close to URA FC and Uganda Cranes striker Robert Ssentongo. He is one hell of an opponent. Always tireless, quick and powerful when in possession plus his movement and positioning always create problems for defenders. He is ever fit.
Best moment in your career: My best moment in my short career so far was when I captained Aurum Roses FC to big league from regional league. It remains the highest point in my career.
Worst moment in your career: The recent injury I sustained is the worst moment in my career so far. It happened at a time when competition for places on the team was stiff. Like any other player, I want to play all games and work hard towards it but this injury really affected my progress. However, am optimistic and ready to fight for a starting berth when I shake off the injury.
Who inspired you to play football? My brother Andrew Mwesigwa has been a great inspiration in my career. He has always advised me on many issues and encouraged me to work hard as a player. It’s perhaps the reason we play the same positions.
Who is your idol as a player? It has to be Nigerian legend Taribo West. I have never believed there are many central defenders with the technical abilities that Taribo possesses. He used to read the game well and made right decisions all the time. In addition, his ball heading skills were a joy to watch
Best Meal: Matooke, Rice and beef
Best Music: Gospel
Best practical joker: Pablo is a class act when it comes to comedy. He is second to none in my opinion
Best TV programme: Sports Times
Dream car: Range Rover Sport and Mercedes Benz
Your dream in the next five years; Like any other footballer, my dream is to play professional football in one of Europe’s top leagues and am working towards making it a reality.