The Uganda Cubs continues to make history on their World Cup debut as they reached the round of 16 of the U17 tournament in Qatar after beating Senegal.
A slow start against Canada, a match they lost 2-1 looks like long time ago.
Brian Ssenyondo’s lads have since drawn with Chile and beat France in the last group game to advance as one of the eight best third placed teams.
And now, beating Senegal is a testament to the hard work, talent and skills of the East Africans at the global stage for the first time.
Lethal forward James Bogere, creative forces Abubakari Walusimbi, Arafat Nkoola and Isma Magala, the defensive unit led by Hamza Ssengooba and goalkeeper Waibi have all received wide plaudits but one player has been the engine of the team – Brain Jjara.
The KCCA midfield enforcer has featured in all matches protecting the backline, covering every blade of grass at the Aspire Academy pitches and also drove the team forward with his intelligent play.
The box-to-box midfielder, likened to French midfield gem Ngolo Kante has caught the eye of many scouts and could be one of the beneficiaries of playing at the grand stage.
“There have been inquiries about him from several clubs in Europe but for now, we have told everyone to let the boy concentrate,” his agent Geoffrey Kayemba Solo told Kawowo Sports.
Born February 4, 2008, Jjara’s major breakthrough came last year when he was handed a senior debut at KCCA by coach Abdallah Mubiru in the absence of then suspended Joel Sserunjogi against Maroons, a game KCCA won 5-0, a few days after his 16th birthday and was voted Man of the Match.
Sakka Mpiima, his coach at Kyadondo SS speaks highly of him. “He is very talented, works hard, wants to learn and above all, he is disciplined. There is no doubt about him having a great future if he keeps fit on ground.”
KCCA co-head coach even preferred to start him in the Uganda Cup final against Vipers ahead of Sserunjogi and despite defeat, he was arguably the KCCA best performer.
Jjara, like his teammates has another chance to showcase his abilities when Uganda Cubs take on Burkina Faso in the round of 16.
Brain Jjara interesting stats at U17 World Cup
- Matches Played: 4
- Minutes Played: 360
- Assists: 1 vs. Canada
- Yellow Cards: 1 vs. Senegal
- Average ratings: 7.25