Passionate and enthusiastic football fan Khassim Kyazze has gradually made his mark in the Uganda and Africa football circles for one bold reason – colourful body paintings.
On any given match day when his favourites KCCA Football Club and the Uganda Cranes are in action, Kyazze is as colored as an indigenous peacock bird.
Recently voted at the 2017 AFCON in Gabon during the Uganda Cranes versus Egypt match in Port Gentil, Kyazze has already tested the international limelight.
The footballer cum taxi conductor believes the body painting philosophy is a unique style which he thought would give him the due extra mileage from an ordinary fan.
“When I was watching many football matches especially those in South Africa, I liked the style of body painting. First, it is eye catching and makes you unique in a way,” he opens up.
Kyazze was raised from a polygamous family with about 50 siblings.
He was born 26 years ago in Luzira to Musa Kiddagga and Nalongo Zewuliya Namutebi.
His love for football stems from the Luzira Soccer Academy where he has been playing since Primary 4 when he was Port Bell Luzira Primary School.
I joined the football business when I was a young boy in P.4.
Back then, I was playing at Luzira Soccer Academy. I was taught the A,B,C of football at that Academy.
Kyazze is also an active footballer at Kampala 5th Division side, Blue Wave Football Club and Butiko Clan in the Bika Bya Baganda football championship where he is also a goalkeeper.
KCCA F.C and Onyango Inspiration
Kyazze started supporting KCCA Football Club, aged 11 years old and like he testifies, he has not looked back;
KCCA F.C is like my life because it was the first club I loved.
For the national team, I started supporting the Uganda Cranes in 2013 because of the hype at Namboole.
I love Onyango and he is my role model
Opportunities
Kyazze testifies building a network of friends because of his passionate cheering and instant fame because of painting his body while at football venues.
I am known everywhere now because of cheering my teams with all the energy as I am painted all over.
I have met new friends, traveled to new places because of this hobby. I have no regrets being a painted football fan.
I was so happy when I heard my name being announced in the stadium in Gabon.
I love football, I love Uganda Cranes and respect to all the players especially Africa’s number one – Dennis Onyango.
Kyazze will live to remember when he was chosen among the fans to travel for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
The reigning KCCA F.C fan of the year is grateful for the opportunities present as a football supporter.
I will remain happy for the rest of my life having watched the African Cup of Nations in Gabon.
This chance does not easily come by. To win in Gabon as best fan was also a special honour and blessing from Allah
Perhaps, in his line of duty, he has met challenges as failure to provide for himself transport to away league matches and national team games as well as the high prices for paint.
“Sometimes, I do not have the money to buy the different paints. At most, I fail to find transport for my club away matches and the national team,” Kyazze who works as a taxi conductor on the busy Luzira – Kampala city route adds.
He encourages many supporters who can come up and take upon the painting strategy in order to spread the wings of modern football cheering.
Who knew body painting could be the key password to one’s glory and fame?
Who is Kyazze?
- Full Names: Khassim Kyazze
- Date of birth: 9th October 1991
- Place of birth: Luzira
- Parents: Nalongo Zewuliya Namutebi and Musa Kidagga
- Education: Kirombe Infant, Portbell (Nursery),Murchison Bay and Portbell Luzira (Primary), Bright High Busega (S1-S3), St. Stephens College, Kabowa (S4) and Jakayezza S.S (A-Level)
- Role Model: Dennis Onyango
- Hobbies: Playing Football (Goalkeeper with Blue Wave F.C in Kampala) and supporting football matches
- Work: Taxi conductor
- Best teams supported: KCCA Football Club and Uganda Cranes