Uganda Cranes defender Richard Kassaga Jjuuko is ready and determined for a new life in the India top tier division – I-League with Aizawl Football Club.
Kassaga joined the the Aizawl, Mizoram based club as a free agent for a two year tenure.
In an exclusive interview from his base in India with Kawowo Sports, Kassaga is delighted with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and all the supportive stakeholders who helped him secure his International Transfer Certificate.
I am at Aizwal Football Club and can not wait to have my debut. I am grateful for whoever helped me realise this dream. I thank FUFA for processing my International Transfer Certificate through the International Transfer Matching System.
Richard Kassaga Juuko
Robert Romawia Royte’s owned team was formed in 1984. They announced Kassaga’s acquisition via their official media plat forms;
We have signed an Ugandan Giant to solidify our defense line. Juuko Richard Kassaga has represented his country 37 times and has been the leading commander in the defense line. Welcome Kassaga, All the Best!
Aizwal FC statement on Kassaga
They earned promotion to the India’s top-tier league, I-League in 2015–16., after winning 2015 I-League 2nd Division.
They are currently coached by Robbir Stockdale.
Kassagga and the rest of his teammates are still basking in glory of their 3-2 home win against Gokulam over the week.
They swiftly turn their attention to the league when they host Indian Arrows at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl, Mizoram.
Previously Kassaga has played at Lyantonde, Kira Young, KCCA and lately Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
He also had stints in Lebanon with Salam Zgharta Football Club featuring in nine Lebanese Premier league matches and seven Asian Football Confederation games.
On the national team, Kassaga had won over 30 caps having played a couple of matches for the Uganda Cranes in AFCON and CHAN qualifiers, CECAFA championships, CHAN 2016 tournament and international friendly matches.
Profile:
Full Names: Richard Jjuuko Kassaga
Date of Birth: 4th July 1993
Place of Birth: Lyantonde
Parents: Vincent Kiyemba and Alice Nassaka
Education: Lyantonde Town Primary School, Masaka Secondary School (O and A levels), Makerere University (B.Sci Construction Managament)
Footballer Career: Masaka SS football Team (Masaka First Division)- 2009-2010, URA (As Trainee in 2011) Kiira Young (Big League)- 2011, Kiira Young (2012-2013 Super Division), Salam Zhgarta, Lebanon (2014-2016), KCCA (2016), URA (2017-2018), Aizawl FC, India (December 2018 – Todate)
Uganda Cranes Debut: 2013
Role Models: Sol Campbell, Ibrahim Ssekagya
Toughest Opponent Faced: Mbwana Samata (Against Tanzania in 2013 CECAFA Quarterfinals)
Best Matches played: Express 1 – 4 Kiira Young (At Wankulukuku Stadium in 2013), Uganda Cranes 1-0 away against Nigeria in International Friendly match
Worst Match Played: Kira Young 0 – 3 Soana Football Club (At Namboole Stadium in 2013)
Wife: Ritah Nanteza
Best Dish: Matooke, Rice, Spagetti and Chicken
Best Drink: Juice