During a football fixture, there are always actors whose overall contribution to the game is immensely realized and praised after the referee’s last whistle.
Keeping focus on the raison d’etre of the game outcome, most defensive midfielders wholesomely embrace the ‘Unsung hero’ tag.
Sports Club Villa’s towering midfielder, Taddeo Lwanga is one of the many in that family.
But again, unlike many who play this role, Lwanga’s charisma, character, confidence, precision, composure and that awesome final ball execution outscores many domestic players who play in the department.
The lanky tricky spoiler confidently reveals his master trick;
When I receive the ball, I am in a ‘no hurry’ state. I do not like blind passes. I cherish to support teammates and engage them in play
Early Life:
Born 21 years ago at Uganda’s national referral hospital – Mulago, the third and last born child to Vincent Mukasa and Jane Namande is the only boy in the family.
Like many budding footballers, Lwanga would escape home to play that well kitted ball out of banana fibers with young friends in the neighborhood.
Being risen in a girls’ dominated family did not expose me to football in my early days of life but I eventually played with neighbors
Supportive Family:
Lwanga sings praise of his family particularly the father who has morally, materially and financially supported him.
My dad has been supportive throughout my career. Where need arose to purchase equipment and transport to training and match venues, he has been readily available
Before joining Express F.C at the onset of the 2013/14 season, Lwanga, played for Ndejje United in the second division before engaged in the Buganda Masaza cup for Kyadondo.
Since much of the time I was at school, I played little club football competitive matches before i joined the Red Eagles.
Lwanga, who played in 6 National Post Primary Football Championships added.
At Express F.C, defensive midfield gem scored one goal (against Lweza F.C) in the 28 total games featured including 2 International friendly games with Tanzanian sides – Simba S.C and Yanga F.C.
He then transferred to Sports Club Villa Jogoo at the end of the 2014/15 season.
He marked a memorable time at Sports Club Villa with the winning goal against Sudan’s Al Khartoum Watani F.C in the CAF Confederations cup in February 2016.
Hard Life at Express F.C:
Not many employees can boldly adhere to tough and challenging times from their bosses as players do at Express F.C.
We did not receive salary for the last 5 months but personally I am looking beyond the current situation. I aspire for a better facilitating team in life
Lwanga (right) dispossesses Bright Stars’ Anthony Bongole to pass successfully in one of the game for Express F.C in the Uganda Premier League (2014/15 season)
Professional ambition:
Nick named “El’Messi” (Saviour) is a proud graduate student of Soft Ware Engineering of Makerere University dreams of playing professional football for one of the elite teams in Europe.
I had a chance to play semi professional football with Tanzanian side, Simba S.C (In December 2014), but since I have just months to the completion of my course at Makerere, I decided to first finish up my education project
At the moment, “El’Messi” is set to guide SC Villa to a respectable place in the Uganda Premier League as the second stanza gets underway on 23rd February 2016.
Besides the league, I also look forward to serving my country diligently
Lwanga signs off with his customary, hospitable and infectious smile, one that can even send shock waves among three thirds of the Holy Heaven Angels.
Profile:
Full Names: Taddeo Lwanga
Nick Name: El ‘Messi
Date of Birth: 21st May 1994
Place of Birth: Mulago, Kampala
Residence: Ndejje,Entebbe Road
Parents: Vincent Mukasa and Jane Namande – Last Born (2 Siblings – Mary Namajju & Agnes Nakityo)
Education: St Andrew Kaggwa Ndejje (Nursery & Primary), Old Kampala (O & A), Makerere University (Graduate of Soft Ware Engineering)
Football Career: Ndejje United (2nd Division), Kyadondo Ssaza, Express F.C & Sports Club Villa Jogoo (Currently)
Most Tricky Opponent: Saddam Juma
Role Models: Ibrahim Ssekgya / Steven Gerard
Memorable Moments: Winning first Trophy (In U-15 Schools Champions, Mbarara – 2006) and scoring SC Villa’s only goal away to Al Khartoum Watani in the CAF Confederations Cup
Worst Moment: Old Kampala Losing to St. Mary’s Kitende 0-2 (2009 East Africa Games Football Final)
Most Thrilling Match: KCC F.C 2-3 Express F.C (Two assists to Rogers Lukwiya and Isaac Sserunkuma goals)
Best Coaches: Coach Ssali, Wasswa Bbosa, Yusuf Kyambadde, Sam Ssimbwa, Nimrod Kintu, Frank ‘Video’ Anyau, Shafik Bisaso and Ibrahim Kirya
Best Colour: Blue
Strong Points: Passing, Ball Protection & Swift Turning
Weaknesses: Long ball execution & Shooting
Dream Phone Gadget: Windows HTC 1
Dream Car: Range Rover Sport
Marital Status: Single
Best Dish: Rice & Fried Chicken with Novida
Best Friends: Willy Kavuma, Henry Nsubuga, Gift ‘Gigi’ Ali, Juma Balinnya, Ivan Sserunkuma, Rogers Lukwiya, Derrick Sserunkuma, Bob Kasozi, Emma Magembe, Shafik Bakaki, Henry Katongole & Allan Kayiwa
Honors:
– Gold Medalist, Kampala Schools’ Champions league (Old Kampala) – 2008, 2009 & 2010
– Gold Winner, U-16 National Schools Championships (Old Kampala) – 2006
– F.D.C University Football Cup Winner (With Makerere University) – 2014
– 2nd Runners Up 9th Eastern Africa University Games (Football), 3rd Runners Up 8th Eastern Africa University Games (Football) – With Makerere University.
– Silver Medalist, National Post Primary Football Championships (with Old Kampala) – 2009.
– Silver Medalist, East Africa Secondary Schools’ Football Championship (With Old Kampala) -2008 & 2009
– Bronze Medalist, National Post Primary Football Championships (With Old Kampala) – 2008