Seldom will you encounter a versatile footballer in the mould of Uganda Cranes and Kira Young Football club’s captain, Richard Kassaga.
Even when confronted by a swarm of bees, my guess is, he will remain as humble like a dove off the soccer pitch but as physical and a nonsense structure on the playing arena.
These are the two different sides of Richard Kassaga, one of the many footballers on the planet that plays along the tag of a prince.
Born 21 years ago to Vicent Kiyemba and Alice Nassaka, both of Lyantonde,a town in the South Western district of Uganda, close to 200 Km off the capital, Kampala, the mountain defender also brags of the first born tag in the family of 10.
“I started playing football when i was about 6 years old”, he now embarks on the long narration of his football journey.
Tough Break Through:
Having impressed with his school side, Masaka S.S where he won two UMEA Cups and several great performances with the team in the first division league of the district, big Kampala side came knocking.
“URA picked interest in me. I traveled to Kampala but trained with them for a long spell. Unfortunately, i was deemed surplus to requirements, as i failed to get a licence and was thus loaned to Kira Young, which was then playing in the big league”, he spills the beans about his struggles.
His solid performances saw the team gain promotion to the FUFA Super league alongside, Entebbe F.C and Sports Club Victoria University.
“Since that time, i have graduated to the player i am today and a hard working team captain”, Kassaga, whose superb performance for Kira helped him earn a maiden call to the senior team that played in the 2013 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup that was held in Kenya.
Samata Magic:
Kassaga showers special praise on the wonderful display of Tanzanian striker, who also features for TP Mazembe, Mbwana Samata. “I have surely never met a tricky striker as that guy (Samata)”, Kassaga reveals.
To every challenge, there lays a pass word, Kassaga has continued to graduate into composed defender each passing day and was one of Uganda’s top performers at the 2014 CHAN Championships in South Africa.
Little wonder therefore, many clubs have come into negotiations with the rock solid player, to which he remains committed to his local based side, Kira Young.
“I will give all those offers a second thought after helping my Kira Young side to a respectable finish in the FUFA Super league lest, i have to be a Ugandan league champion”, he reckons.
Kassaga Unplugged:
Full Names: Richard Jjuuko Kassaga
Date of Birth: 4th July 1993
Place of Birth: Lyantonde
Parents: Vincent Kiyemba and Alice Nassaka
Education: Lyantonde Town Primary School, Masaka Secondary School (O and A levels), Makerere University (Currently in 3rd year for B.Sci Construction Managament)
Footballer Career:Masaka SS football Team (Masaka First Division)- 2009-2010, URA (As Trainee in 2011) Kiira Young (Big League)- 2011, Kiira Young (2012-Todate in Super Division), Uganda Cranes (2013-Todate)
Role Models: Sol Campbell, Ibrahim Ssekagya
Toughest Opponent Faced: Mbwana Samata (Against Tanzania in 2013 CECAFA Quarterfinals)
Best Matches played: Express 1 – 4 Kiira Young (At Wankulukuku Stadium in 2013)
Worst Match Played: Kira Youns 0 – 3 Soana Football Club (At Namboole Stadium in 2013)
Lover: Ritah Nanteza
Best Dish: Matooke, Rice, Spagetti and Chicken
Best Drink: Juice
On Facebook: Yes [Richard Kassaga]
