Sofapaka FC first choice custodian Mathias Kigonya is confident that the Uganda Cranes can defend the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup trophy to be played in Kenya next month
The regional tournament is making a return after a one year absence after it failed to kick off in 2016 due to lack of sponsorship.
The diminutive goalkeeper gifted with reflexes has confused many sports journalists who profile him as a Kenyan citizen due to his body physique and name, which is linked to a Luhya community from Western part of Kenya.
Early this year, Stanley Okumbi surprised many when he gave Kigonya a call-up in the Kenya Premier League side Allstars squad that travelled to Spain to play against local clubs Cordoba and Sevilla.
The Kenya national football team head coach admitted Kigonya was ‘the best goalkeeper Kenya had at the moment’ saying he wished the custodian was a Kenyan citizen.
While in Europe, Kigonya made two appearances, accumulating more match time than Kenya and Gor Mahia’s first choice goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch.
The Sofapaka FC vice captain has been instrumental in Batoto Ba Mungu’s campaign this season that places them second on the table with less than five matches left to the end of the season.
Kigonya joined the Kenyan Premier League side in 2016, at a time when the 2009 champions were facing relegation.
One year down the lane, the Ugandan is among the favorite candidate for the Golden Glove Award
“SOFAPAKA success is attributed to him,” confessed compatriot Sam Ssimbwa, the Sofapaka coach. “When he was injured we were down,” Ssimbwa backed up his claim.
The Ugandan custodian was the Star of the show last weekend, when he pulled superb saves in the final quarter of the match as Batoto ba Mungu snatched a vital point against Bandari FC in Mombasa after he scored the winner from the spot.
Currently Kigonya is working hard and focusing to represent his country in upcoming tournaments like CECAFA and his wish is to play in Europe for Chelsea FC.
“I would really be happy to be part of Uganda Cranes team,” he said. “Indeed hard work never stops paying and hope one day to play in Europe. Am focused and very positive mentally.”
The goalie featured for the CECAFA reigning champions in the 2016 CHAN finals held in Rwanda.