Former SC Villa star Hakim ‘Boda Boda’ Magumba has named the late Paul Edwin Hasule (RIP) as the best coach he’s ever worked for.
Magumba worked with Hasule for over five years during a trophy laden period when SC Villa dominated Ugandan football.
“Paul Hasule,” he immediately answered when asked who the best coach he’s worked for on the Real Stars Sports You Tube channel. “He was a genius who read the game intelligently, very tactical and none comes to close to him,” added Magumba.
The former Iganga TC, Atraco and Uganda Cranes midfield gem was also tasked to name the worst coach he played under but he first hesitated before mentioning the late Sam Timbe.
“I don’t want to mention his name because unfortunately, he died,” he said at first before he finally said, “the one who permanently replaced coach Micho, Sam Time (RIP).”
Watson the best teammate but Mubiru and Kyambadde were special
The soft-spoken gem was also hard-pressed to name the best player he ever played with and immediately name his former captain Edgar Watson.
“Not because we developed a longstanding friendship but Edgar Watson is the best ever player I played with. He had the versatility to play every position on the pitch,” he said before adding ‘Watson is the first player to play no.6 without being a hard tackler. The things you guys talk about Sergio Busquets, Watson did before.”
Nevertheless, Magumba heaped special praise on former Villa teammate Hassan Mubiru and Cranes’ pal Jamil Kyambadde (RIP) as special.
“Mubiru was so special a player and one that could have achieved perhaps more if he stays with Villa. Kyambadde was another genius who I believe would bench ex-Spain and Manchester City attacking midfielder David Silva,” he exclaimed.
Turned down a move to rivals Express
In a wide-ranging interview, Magumba also revealed how he turned down an offer of 14 million Uganda Shillings to join SC Villa rivals Express.
“I was offered 14 million by Express chairman Godfrey Kirumira and even at one time, there was a scuffle at Kasubi when he came to meet me and he was intercepted by one Villa staunch fan, Kasiita.”
SC Villa rebuild
Magumba won seven league titles, five Uganda Cups and two Cecafa Kagame Cup with SC Villa among other trophies and when asked to give an opinion on how to rebuild the club back to its glory days, he says the club must change their transfer policy.
“The future looks bright under Hajji Omar Mandela but somethings especially about transfers must change. The club can’t continue losing its influential players at the end of every season.
“You can’t rebuild a team without retaining your best players and the management must learn to appreciate good players and do all it takes to keep them.”
Magumba also took a swipe at Jackson Mayanja who is believed to have cut his international career short, the luckiest players ever to be part of the strong Villa squads and his relationship with former Villa manager Tushar Ruparellia (RIP).
