Back in the 1980’s and early 90’s, Mathew Lucha was a common name among ardent Uganda football lover across the divide.
The former Nile Football Club crafty midfielder and captain also got summoned to the Uganda Cranes for his exceptional display on the field of play.
Over the past few years, Lucha has been ill and down at his Jinja home parlor. He lives on hand outs from ‘good Samaritans’ who normally find him at Kakindu Stadium or in Jinja town.
Despite the illness and lowering energy levels, Lucha rarely misses a football game at Kakindu when the home clubs are in action.
On Tuesday, during the JMC Hippos against KCCA Premier League encounter, the Uganda Football Players’ Association (UFPA) paid a courtesy visit to former Uganda Cranes player.
Led by the association chairman Patrick Ntege, also the Uganda National team’s officer, they handed 2,800,000/- (Two Millions Eight Hundred Thousand Shillings only) to Lucha as assistance to meet his medical bills.
Flanked by the body’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Mukatabala, Lawrence Kizito and Delegate to the FUFA Assembly Edward Kalungi, Ntege also called for other corporates and individuals to assist the former midfielder.
Football is a sport where we are opponents on the pitch and torrid friends off it.
This is part of FUFA’s Corporate Social Responsibility activity aimed at extending a helping hand to communities through its Member Associations.
I also take the opportunity to call upon all corporate companies and individuals who would wish to help out Lukya to join the cause. Get well soon Lukya
Humbled by the generosity, Lucha who looked weak appreciated the players’ body and FUFA in general.
I extend my sincere thanks to FUFA for the initiative.
I am really delighted. No words or actions can express my joy at heart.
Thank you FUFA, the players and whoever made this a success, May God bless you and your families
Also, the players’ association recently bailed out another former player, Ali Ssekatawa with a Ug.shs 5M offer towards the medical bill of his injured leg.
A number of former footballers like Lucha and Ssekatawa are living miserable lives despite having passionately served their country with diligence back in the days.