Aloft his wish list, Uganda U-17 Vice captain, Emmanuel ‘Song’ Olinga is to play professional football in a ‘big’ club.
“It is every footballer’s wish to play professional soccer for a big team and it is my target too”, Olinga told Kawowo Sports.
The Gor Mahia Academy player has been an inspirational figure for the Uganda Junior side, The Cubs with exceptional performances in the four CAF 2015 Qualification fixtures played so far.
The former Talents College, Dynamic, Rutooma and Kololo s.s student has featured in all the Uganda Cubs qualification fixtures playing the holding midfield position.
Olinga, 16, can play in any department apart from goal keeping on the football turf.
“At the moment, I feel very comfortable in central midfield but I can play full back, defence and striking roles”, the lanky soft spoken player adds.
For the Cubs, he has been a key figure in the defensive midfield, though he partially covered up Central defender, Bashir Asiku when the latter got injury timeouts during the Rwanda return leg in Gisenyi.
Big Dream:
Like all personalities in life, Olinga, nicknamed ‘Song’ after the Cameroonian midfield icon, habours a big dream in life.
“I am committed in trainning so that I turn professional and eat from the toils of my sweat”, he reveals with a bold nod.
Early Life:
Born 16 years ago to Michael and Gertude Olinga in Nakawa, Olinga junior is the last born in the family of 7.
Several of his siblings have played football. Former SC Villa players, Shaka Okello and Fred Okello, Baza Holdings skipper, Johnson Akileng are all recognizable football figures in Uganda.
Brian Umony Inspiration:
Successful sporting icons world over are a magnetic attraction to many budding youngsters.
Olinga’s love for the game follows a similar path in the footmarks of Uganda Cranes’ striker, Brian Umony.
“Besides my family members who have inspired me to play football, I credit Uganda Cranes striker, Brian Umony for encouraging me play football”, Olinga, who is now based at Gor Mahia
Gor Mahia Comes Calling:
The journey of Olinga from the Naguru residence to Gor Mahia football academy he studied and with tells a lot of determination and courage of a soul on a mission.
“After the Copa Coca cola in Kabale, I traveled to Kenya (on my own) for trials in Gor Mahia. Coach Gerald Owino picked interest in me and today, I long to feature for senior side one day”, he says.
Uganda Cubs performances:
Olinga is delighted having featured in the qualification campaign for the CAF U-17 Championships in Niger next year.
“We shall continue to play with one heart and ensure we beat Zambia and qualify for the African championships”, he says.
Olinga Unplugged:
Full Names: Emmanuel Olinga
Parents: Gertude and Michael Olinga
Date of Birth: 19th December 1998
Education: St Jude, Nakawa (p1-p5), Citizen Parents, Makindye (P6-P7), Talents (S1), Dynamic (S2), Rutooma s.s (Mbarara), and Kololo S.S(S.4)
Role Models: Amos Nondi (Teammate at Gor Mahia Academy), Geofrey Baba Kizito, Pius Obuya (teammate at Cubs), Noah Ssemakula, Alex Song and Xavi Hernadezi
Best Foods: Kalo and Fish
Best Drink: Minute Maid
Coaches who have helped him: Peter Sserumaga (Makindye), Matia Lule (head coach, Uganda Cubs), Coach Brain (Nakawa United),Coach Nimrod Kintu (Kololo s.s), Juma Sseki (Nakawa), David Otai (Naguru Avis)