There is a common adage that ‘opportunity knocks only once,’ but for striker Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Ikpeazu Mubiru his chances to represent Uganda have kept coming.
The gangly forward who had the opportunity to represent both Uganda and Nigeria has eventually made up his mind to feature for the former.
Since 2020, the striker who plies his trade at St. Johnstone FC in Scotland has been earning calls under different coaches such as Jonathan McKinstry, Milutin Sredojevic and Paul Put but for one reason or the other, he failed to come through.
However, at long last, Mubiru is in the country, joined the team camp in Kisasi and took part in the first training session at Mandela National Stadium on Monday as the team prepares to face Mozambique and Somalia in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
He could not hide his excitement and indicated he is ready to feature for the Uganda Cranes.
“It has been a long time coming, because everytime I have been called up, there has been a situation, injuries, last time there was COVID-19. To finally be here, with the national team is amazing. I have not been to Uganda for almost two decades, so I’m excited, he said before adding, “I feel good now. I have got my first training session with the boys. It is good to build a good bond and chemistry with the rest of the team.”
Mubiru further stated that he cannot wait for the moment he will play infront of the passionate Cranes’ fans.
“Playing for the national team is a privilege and like I said I have not been here for a while but this is my country and I’m relishing the opportunity to represent Uganda. Of course there will be alot of expectations and I want to be able to make the difference and help the team. I have seen a couple of games and I have seen the support the team has and cannot wait to experience it.”
Uganda is in Group G and occupies fourth place on 9 points, six behind leaders Algeria.
