Aspiring and already furnished sportsmen, footballers to be exact world over dwell on that ‘I dream…’ lifestyle.
Uganda Cranes utility defender Bernard Muwanga belongs in the same category stipulated above.
After being part of the 2015 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup winning team, Muwanga boldly believes the best is yet to come for the Cranes at CHAN 2016 finals in Rwanda.
Tales of how former ball boys at village playing grounds have transformed into successful professional footballers are well documented with endless vivid examples at hand.
The journey to the accomplishment of the set dream(s) has always varied on a number of factors at play.
Living environs, preparatory mechanism, the overwhelming desire to excel and sheer luck each contributes a fraction or two.
Muwanga, like fate would dictate almost belongs to the classes aforementioned.
The trained secondary school ‘Mwalimu’ attests;
I believe we shall perform well at the CHAN finals. We have trained well, had great build ups and it is time to show what we are capable of.
Uganda opens the CHAN campaign with a date against West Africans, Mali in Group D at the Umuganda stadium in Rubavu.
At the previous two CHAN events where Uganda has been part, the Cranes have never progressed past the group stage hurdle.
Still with the dream, Muwanga is as hopeful as a beautiful virgin eyeing a remote tycoon;
Once we overcome the opening match with a victory, who knows, Uganda will do well against the two other group teams – Zambia and Zimbabwe and progress to the quarter finals for the first time in the history of the tournament
The Bright Stars F.C captain has grown in stature since winning the maiden cap in Uganda Cranes’ 3-0 victory over Sudan in the CHAN 2016 qualifiers.
On playing professional football, Muwanga will embrace the opportunity wholesomely.
He adds;
It is a vision for every player to turn professional and enjoy the toils of his sweat. I am patiently and diligently working towards that
Uganda Cranes will be based in Rubavu for the opening two Group D matches with a last group game against Zambia set for the Amahoro stadium in Rubavu.
Who knows, Muwanga or any of the current Cranes squadman stands a chance to impress the hundreds of football scouts camping in Kigali?
Only time will tell…
Muwanga Profile:
Name: Bernard Muwanga
Nick-Name: Scholes
Position: Defender
Current Club: Bright Stars Football Club
Achievements: Winner, CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2015, Winner, 2nd division League (FUFA Big League) 2013
First Cap: Sudan vs Uganda 2015 (CHAN 2016 Qualifier)
Role Model: Ibra Sekagya
Favorite Dish: Spaghetti and Irish potatoes
Free time: Listening to music and surfing the internet for knowledge and news