While he had been on the scene for a while as a very promising youngster, Pius Ssebulime announced himself as an omnipresent midfielder during Buddu’s run to the 2024 Buganda Masaza Cup triumph.
Buddu, who at the time were three-time winners of the competition, had a rough start to the 2023 season, but some players raised their game to keep the team afloat. Top of that list was Ssebulime, whose versatility allowed coach Peter Mugerwa to field him as a holding midfielder.
Ssebulime was walking into the role left by Joel Sserunjogi, who had joined KCCA Football Club in the Premier League. The role he embraced at times required him to carry the team on his shoulders, developing leadership skills that propelled the team to success in the subsequent 2024 season when Buddu edged Kyaggwe 1-0 in the final at Namboole.
“Captaining Buddu in the Masaza Cup was a huge responsibility, but it helped me grow a lot. I had to lead by example, both on and off the pitch, and make sure the team stayed focused,” he says.
“Winning and having a strong run in the tournament taught me how to handle pressure and bring the best out of my teammates. It transformed me into a more vocal leader and helped me understand the importance of teamwork, communication, and staying composed in big moments.”
To play and achieve success at the highest level requires a lot of discipline and consistency, traits that are built at the foundational level of the sport. For Ssebulime, these are traits he picked up while at KCCA Football Club Academy.
“My time at KCCA Academy really shaped me as a player and a person. That’s where I learned discipline, consistency, and what it really means to compete at a high level every day. The coaches pushed me a lot, and being around talented players made me raise my standards.”
For most sportsmen, winning brings a lot of pride, and it’s not different for Ssebulime, who takes pride in the success he has achieved right from the KCCA Academy.
“Winning the Cambiasso International Tournament [with the KCCA FC Academy] was a big moment for me because it showed that all the hard work was paying off. It also gave me confidence that I could perform on a bigger stage and against strong competition.
“I would say one of my proudest moments so far is being able to represent my teams in big competitions and contribute to winning trophies. Moments like winning the Cambiasso Tournament and leading Buddu stand out because they reflect both individual growth and team success. Those experiences mean a lot to me because they show how far I’ve come.”
Ssebulime’s football journey led him to North Carolina, in the United States of America, where he joined the Gardner-Webb University soccer programme last year.
“My season at Gardner-Webb was a big transition for me. Moving away from home wasn’t easy at first, especially adjusting to a new environment, culture, and style of play.
“But over time, I adapted by staying focused, working hard, and learning from my coaches and teammates. That experience made me more independent and mentally stronger, and it helped me grow both on and off the field,” he says.
At the start of the year, Ssebulime moved to a better NCAA soccer program, having joined Rutgers, as he continues to soar.
“So far, my time at Rutgers has been a great experience. The level is high, and every day is competitive, which is pushing me to improve.
“I’m still adjusting and learning, but I feel like I’m in a good environment to develop. The coaches and teammates have been supportive, and I’m focused on continuing to grow and making an impact.”
Quick Profile
- Full Name: Pius Ssebulime
- Date of Birth: June 6, 2004
- Current Football Club: Rutgers Men’s Soccer & Annapolis Blues FC
Education
- Nursery to P.7: Nyendo Modern Primary School | 2006-2015
- O-Level: Masaka Secondary School | 2016-2019
- A-Level: St Henry’s College Kitovu | 2022-202
