When the name Sula Kato is mentioned in the Ugandan football fraternity, a lot of memories come into peoples’ minds but one that is fondly remembered by every body is his corner kick taking expertise. Born to Ssalongo Zakaria Lubega and the Late Mariam Nantumbwe of Kirumba – Katwe in Masaka municipality, Kato developed the love for soccer while still in primary school. He was mainly inspired by his elder brothers Moses Ndaula and Meddie Lubega (RIP) who played for top clubs then as well as the national team. The latter was part of the Cranes team that lost to Ghana in the finals of Africa nations Cup in 1978.
SCHOOL DAYS: He went to Kimanya Primary School where he played as a goal keeper. He later joined Hill Road Primary School and there he was played as a centre forward by his sports teacher. In 1977, the now hot cake pupil joined Kako Primary School on a bursary where he completed his P.7. In 1987, the diminutive star went to Masaka Secondary School but failed to play at a high level as he was ever side lined due to his small size. However in 1980, St. Henrys College Kitovu’s Father Ryan discovered the immense talent in Kato during Inter Class soccer competitions at Masaka S.S and lured him to Kitovu where he transformed him into a star midfieder.
CLUB CAREER: In 1982, Sula Kato obtained his first club licence albeit from a first division side based in Jinja, Millers FC. However, his career with Millers was cut short as Father Ryan persuaded the midfielder to join Masaka Union which he did. In 1983, he was impressive in the 1-4 loss to SC.Villa and this attracted the Jogoos to sign him.
AT SC.VILLA: He was signed by the Villa Park side to replace his brother Moses Ndaula who had crossed to bitter rivals Express FC. However, Kato found it hard to break into a David Otti star studded midfield that had the likes of Twaha Kivumbi, Kisitu Godfrey and Mubiru Sam failing to displace any of the trio. However, his chance was to come in 1985 when new Villa Coach Timothy Ayiekho resorted to youngsters. Magid Musisi and Sula Kato were the first beneficiaries as they got playing time. In 1986, SC.Villa replaced Ayiekho with Polly Ouma and the latter’s preffered 4-4-2 formation created space for wingers and he shifted Kato to left wing. He became an instrumental part in the double winning side of 1986.
THE SULA KATO MAGIC LEFT FOOT MEMORIES: In the memorable Kakungulu Cup semi final dubbed the “battle of brothers” that pitted Kato’s SC.Villa and Ndaula’s Express FC, Sula Kato scored the half volley that beat Steven Ssegujja in goal to eliminate Express FC. In 1987, the winger scored the solitary strike that helped Villa beat Sudan’s El Merrickh. The Sudanes celebrated custodian had frustrated Villa strikers with his un ending saves but in the 27th minute, Paul Hasule’s free kick found a well positioned Sula Kato whose low drive beat Hamid Brema to secure Villa’s first regional title.
In 1991, SC.Villa beat Tanzania’s Pamba FC 4-1 at Nakivubo in CAF Champions league. However, in Mwanza, Pamba’s two early strikes caused panick for Villa but Kato scored a vital away goal to hand Villa a quarter final berth. In the quarter finals, SC.Villa lost 2-0 to Egypt’s Al-Ahly in Cairo but two assists from Kato’s corners levelled matters. Sula Kato went on to score the decisive penalty in the shoot out. In the semi-final Villa beat Nigeria’s Iwanyanwu 3-2 in Kampala but trailed 1-0 in the return leg. However, Kato’s corner was headed in by Magid Musisi to ensure Villa’s passage to the finals where they lost 3-7 on aggregate to Club Africain of Tunisia.
In 1992, Kato created six goals as Villa reached the CAF Cup finals from his swinging corners. In 1993, he was appointed Villa skipper replacing retired Paul Hasule but was part of the group that failed to turn up for training and was suspended on the eve of league decider against Express FC.
JOINING VILLA INTERNATIONAL: After suspension, he joined Patrick Kawooya’s Villa international. He moved to Tanzania’s Simba SC in 1996 and later Yanga Africans. In 2000, he had a brief stint of semi professional in Vietnam.
CRANES CAREER: Kato’s first summon to the national team was in 1987 but couldn’t dispose Sunday Mokiri and Godfrey “superstar” Katerega off the left wing and Paul Nkata, John Mapeera and Twaha Kivumbi in midfield. He made his Cranes debut in CECAFA cup in Malawi in 1988. In the 1989 Peace Cup in Kuwait, Kato’s corner kick in the finals against Iraq resulted into Paul Hasule’s goal though Iraq later equalised to end the game in a stalemate. However, Kato missed the decisive kick as Iraq won the trophy.
In 1989, Kato helped Uganda win the Cecafa title after beating Malawi in the shoot out. The winger scored the equaliser in a 3-3 draw in the finals but later missed the first kick. He helped the Cranes retain the title the following year. He retired from the Cranes in 1994 and club football in 2000.
FACTFILE: Won 8 League titles with SC.Villa. (1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992 and 1994).
Three Uganda Cups (1986, 1988 and 1989).
Three Cecafa titles (1987) with SC.Villa and two with the Cranes (1989 and 1990).
Played for Millers FC, Masaka Union, SC.Villa, Villa International, Simba SC and Young Africans.
COACHING CAREER: Butabika Hospital (2004), Victors FC (2006 and 2012), SC.Villa (2009).
He has won two Uganda Cups as the Coach. In 2008 with Victors FC and 2009 with SC.Villa.
