CBS Footballer of The Year Award:
Nominees: Ronnie Kisekka (KCC), Allan Kyambadde (Vipers) & Savio Kabugo (SCVU)
The over a thousand times I have personally interacted with Sports Club Victoria University (SCVU) defender Savio Kabugo, his cool persona has always left me mesmerized.
He occasionally jokes echoing ‘Bwalikujukiira’ literally translated ‘When the Almighty eventually remembers you’.
Kabugo is among the three players shortlisted for the CBS best player of the year award. Others are KCC’s defender, Ronnie Kisekka and Vipers’ midfielder, Allan Kyambadde.
Kisekka and Kyambadde might have had consistent and outstanding displays for their respective clubs, Kabugo was loyal and one of the most committed charges in those famous Black, Yellow and Red stripes of Uganda Cranes.
From that impressive performance in the CHAN tournament held at the start of 2014 in South Africa, Kabugo replicated the same form in all the Cranes friendly ties and the recently concluded AFCON 2015 qualifiers.
He featured in that 1 – 0 victory when SCVU played against DR Congo side, Don Bosco, having missed the first leg for ‘suspect discipline’ back in the day.
He was also a regular figure for SCVU’s second place finish in the 2013/14 domestic season behind champions, KCC.
Kabugo’s life turning point fulcrums around that brilliant headed goal that sunk one of Africa’s giants, Ghana.
From that time on, scouts have day in day out come knocking convincing, others pestering for his signature (latest is a European club featuring in the lucrative champions league).
Strong Points:
He has good command of the back line with excellent communication abilities only enviable like his mentor and role model – Ibrahim Ssekagya.
His foot work has greatly improved almost to the level of the unquestionable heading traits epitomized by his workaholic genes.
The odd assists with that characteristic well-weighted long ball and the late ghosted runs from set pieces will keep even your number one strikers away on tricky key fixtures.
Weaknesses:
Kabugo’s still has time on his side to perfect his suspect first touch, dribbling and left footed clearances.
His discipline has greatly improved though Kabugo still requires well remunerated counselors, role models to keep reminding him he is an asset worth 20,000 pounds a week.
To Vote for any of the players in contention, Type OMUPIIRA (leave a space), type the name (KISEEKA, KABUGO or KYAMBADDE) then send to 8892 (All Mobile Numbers inclusive).
Who is Kabugo?
Kabugo is an orphan with both parents (Betty Natatudde and Jackson Bakayana).
A resident of Bukoto, Kabugo was born on the 20th January 1995. He attended his Primary education at Aliayah Primary School (Kamwokya, Kanjokya Street).
He proceeded to City High (S.1), Oxford Secondary, Kawempe (S.2) before completing his O & A Level studies at Mulusa Academy in Wobulenzi, Luweero District.
Troublesome Past:
He grew up with Justine Nantume (now deceased), footballer Ivan Bukenya’s mother. After the death of Justine, Kabugo moved to stay with his siblings (Hamis Kiyemba, Cathy Nagawa, Ronald Lusuliire and Ritah Abine).
