Jesus of Nazareth is remarkably quoted in a biblical verse; Luke 4:24,
…verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country…
Every time I open my bible and land on the verse, footballer Jimmy Bageya’s name quickly crosses my mind.
Throughout his industrious career, Ugandan born footballer, Jimmy Bageya reasons he has never been appreciated at his birth nation – Uganda, ironically not even in the home Lake Victoria Peninsular town of Entebbe.
Little wonder, the diminutive but fast paced tricky forward, made the ‘bold’ decision to depart his home country now close to 12 years ago to seek greener and nutritious fodder.
At home, I was playing in the Wakiso Division One and top scored for three seasons. I had no offer from any elite team because they despised my height, so I had to seek alternatives elsewhere and I proved ‘them’ wrong
Bageya, whose pride is equated to that of a multicolored peacock testifies. He attributes diligence at training and commitment as important factors to his prosperous career in Kenya.
Bageya has won several MVP accolades for the different clubs he has featured in
Early Life in Kenya:
For his exceptional dribbling abilities and pace, Bageya impressed at his maiden training at the City Stadium.
I became an instant hit. Fans would drag my clothes on the streets. Clubs came crying for my signature and I was spoilt for choice until I sided with Gor Mahia.
The winger-cum-striker had a three season stint with Gor Mahia before he left for Botswana where he featured for PDF FC in a 6 month deal.
From Botswana, the trotting Bageya returned to East Africa but this time for Rwandan side, Etincelles F.C in the 2008/9 season.
Return to Kenya:
Bageya marked his second return to Kenya, joining AFC Leopards in a Ushs 20M deal where he played for another 2 complete seasons before he penned a year long deal with Nairobi City Stars in the 2012/13 season.
Bageya has thrived on creativity and Pace for success over the years.
At the moment, Bageya is featuring for Mombasa coastal town team, Bandari F.C. On the fast life in Mombasa, upon which Bageya is fond of, he ironically differs;
I am now a complete professional. I know what i want and I set my goals. I am taken up by leisure. I am in Mombasa to play football and excel.
He still dreams of making another earth shaking transfer within Kenya.
Jimmy Bageya is unpredictable, anything can happen and i am working for it day and night.
He signs off with a typical swag similar to that of a newly wedded groom. Time will definitely be the biggest testimony.
Bageya at a Glance:
Full Names: Jimmy Bageya
Date of Birth: 10th October 1987
Parents: Sam and Agnes Bageya
Place of Birth: Entebbe, Kiwafu (Uganda)
Education: Kiwafu Primary, Green Stars High School (O-Level), Standard High Zana and St Mary’s Kitende (A-level)
Football Career: Entebbe Young (Wakiso Division 1), Gor Mahia FC (2002-2005), PDF FC, Botswana (2006/7-Half Season), Etincelles FC, Rwanda (2008/9), AFC Leopards, Kenya (2009/11), Nairobi City Stars (2012/2013), Bandari F.C (2013/14)
Role Models: Mike Baraza and Lionel Messi
Best Dish: Rice, Matooke and Chicken with white wine
On Facebook: Yes [@Jimmy Bageya]
Whatsapp: Yes
Twitter: No
