Uganda Cranes returned home a week ago as 14 time CECAFA champions after beating Rwanda 1-0 in the final.
Bernard Muwanga was part of the CECAFA winning team and was one of the Cranes’ crucial players throughout the tournament.
Kawowo Sports’ Marion Malinga caught up with the Bright Stars’ captain in an exclusive interview.
Kawowo Sports: How did you join Bright Stars?
Muwanga: I think the question should be how we started Bright Stars.
I am one of the pioneers of the club. We used to play leisure football as kids in Kawempe then one day in December 1997, a friend of mine came and told me there was an ongoing team registration for a Christmas tournament. He came up with an idea of registering our team which I consented to.
We were young, majority of us were still in primary and didn’t have money. So we decided to contribute each 500shs.
I remember the registration fee was Ugx5000. We managed to raise it and immediately went to the organizers. The organizers asked for the team name, that was when we realized we didn’t have a name [laughs].
My friend within minutes came up with a name which name was Bright Stars. We played and reached the finals where we got beaten on penalties. We impressed many spectators, among them was Abdallah Kafero.
After the game, he came straight to us, showered us praise and asked who our manager was. We told him we don’t have. This was our idea. That was when he showed interest and promised to take over which he later did. Abdallah Kafero sponsored us all throughout our stay in the second division.
Ronnie Mutebi took over when we qualified for the first division.
Kawowo Sports: Who inspired you to play football?
Muwanga: Hakim Magumba. He was such an exciting and entertaining player and a joy to watch.
The ease at which he went past defenders made me love him the more and football at large.
I used to write his name in all my books. I could write it at the front and at the back of my books in bold letters.
Kawowo Sports: Most defenders would say they drew their inspiration from fellow defenders. Why Magumba?
Muwanga: I used to play in midfield in my early days; I changed position to defense when we qualified for first division.
Kawowo Sports: Who has been your toughest opponent so far?
Muwanga: Peter Ssenyonjo, the Police striker (also Uganda Cranes former player)
I have met him several times but never gotten used to facing him. I will have to be honest with you, I always have a hard time whenever I’m up against him [laughs] and the sorry part is, he knows it.
When we were still in the Big League, that guy used to give me hard time whenever we played against Soana.
He was their lead striker.
Kawowo Sports: How about the league’s deadly assassins Robert Sentongo and Steven Bengo?
Muwanga: To be honest, they are both good players but they have never troubled me like Senyonjo does. It is easier to face strikers who have already made their names than facing someone trying to pave his own way.
They always give their all.
Kawowo Sports: What’s your strongest point as a defender?
Muwanga: I am very good on one and ones. If you asked those forwards, they will tell you it’s very hard to go past me on such situations. I am also good in the air.
This may sound funny but the best part for me as a defender is when I head the ball to my goalkeeper amidst opposition’s strikers. Nothing makes me happy than that. I love seeing defenders do it.
It shows how confident one is and how well they communicate with their goalkeepers.
Kawowo Sports: How was it like playing in the national team and winning Uganda’s 14th CECAFA title?
Muwanga: It was incredible. It was such an experience any player would love to test. Such a great feeling. I am delighted I was part of the Cranes CECAFA winning team in Ethiopia.
The weather in Ethiopia wasn’t favorable but we managed to get used to it because we had to concentrate on the games. We had to bring home the trophy.
I still have to work hard to maintain my place in the national team. Uganda has very talented players who are ready to answer the call once called upon so it’s through hard work and determination that one will be able to retain their position.
Kawowo Sports: Who is your all time best Ugandan player?
Muwanga: Ibrahim Sekagya and Tonny Mawejje. Sekagya was a very intelligent and calm defender. He was a very good leader too. For Mawejje, he is the midfield boss. As a defender, you are always confident when you have him in your midfield because he is capable of breaking those attacks before they get to you.
Kawowo Sports: Who do you think will win the league?
Muwanga: I think KCCA will win it. They are not really playing their best football currently but are grinding results. Imagine what will happen if they start playing the way we all know.
When you have Mike Mutebi and Sam Simbwa as your coaches, you always expect something good.
Vipers won the league last season but I don’t think they have been consistent enough.
They have good players but lack the consistency.
