Time immemorial, budding sportsmen will always attest having drawn the urge and courage to take upon a particular game towards key role models.
Albeit many owe the magnetic power of these sporting disciplines to sheer passion, others are often motivated by parents, friends and the obvious successful sporting scripts by their favorite teams cum super idols.
Conventional left footed footballer, Viane Ssekajugo Ssamula is a typical case study of the latter crop.
Ssekajugo (far right) as he featured in a Uganda Cranes trial match
As I grew up, I watched Manchester United winger, Ryan Giggs in action. From the way he controlled the ball, passed and dribbled, I loved to play like him
Ssekajugo, with a rather shy persona, this time opens up.
Football Journey:
Born at Masaka’s main referral hospital, Mulago in Katwe Zone to Charles and Noeline Ssamula, Ssekajugo has a rich and well documented history of playing the beautiful game.
I was motivated to start playing football when I was so young by my parents and my young friends in Masaka
His football journey started as early as 7 years as he engaged in ‘village soccer’ with the well kitted ball from banana fibres, famously tagged ‘Tango’.
I was also a specialist at making those Tangos in the entire Kilimya Village in Masaka
The dribbling and pin-point crossing specialist testifies with a cocky smile.
He was then a common member with the all conquering Masaka U-14 team in the fast growing City Tyres youth tournament.
Later, he featured for the Masaka Under 17 side under the Shell tournament before he caught the eye of Kefa Kisala, then coach at Masaka Local Council who lured him to sign for the club.
I was in my S.4 when I signed my first Super Division licence and it was a great challenge and learning experience as well
He recounts.
Sekajugo’s quick change of pace has left one too many opponents ‘chasing shadows’
Like many young players at demanding clubs, Viane got frustrated by the limited playing time and he sought refugee at Kampala Junior Team (KJT) before he later moved to play for Kampala University.
At the moment, Ssamula Junior is featuring for the Rwenzori Big league outfit, The Saints F.C and played an intergral part for the club in the two seasons he has diligently featured for the Namboole based outfit.
The Saints await their promotional feat to the Azam Uganda Premier League after a 6-1 humiliation of the already relegated Namasagali on 30th April 2015.
For starters, the Saints play a decider with Jinja side, Jinja Municipal Council next Thursday at Namboole.
On the team’s chances of promotion, Viane believes it is the time:
After narrowly missing out last year, we are working as a unit for the target this time round
He anticipates.
Aspiration:
Ssekajugo, who also plays beach soccer believes he is yet to deliver his best.
I look upon a successful professional career, which I think is achievable with dedication, hard work and commitment. I also want to play for my country at any event (competition).
He signs out.
Profile:
Full Names: Viane Ssekajugo Ssamula
Parents: Charles Ssamula (Father) & Noeline Nakiganda Ssamula (Mother)
Date of Birth: 26th August 1996
Place of Birth: Mulago, Katwe (Masaka)
Education: St Tereza Primary School, Kilimya – Masaka, Masaka S.S (S.1), Hana Mixed S.S (S.2-S.4), Gombe High (A-Level), Kampala University (1st Year, BBA)
Football Journey: U-14 Masaka, U-17 Masaka, Masaka L.C (2009/10), KJT (2011-2013), The Saints F.C (2013-2015)
Role Models: Ryan Giggs (Former Manchester United player, now Assistant coach to Van Gaal), David Obua (Former Uganda Cranes player), Ibrahim Saddam Juma (Vipers midfielder)
Strong Foot: Left
Key Points: Dribbling under minimum spaces and crossing
Weakness: Tackling and Marking
Best Dish: Matooke, Fish with Ground Nuts with Mineral Water
Best Coaches: Kefa Kisala (Former Masaka L.C, BUL F.C head coach, Former Uganda Cranes player and Assistant coach, Now head Coach Uganda U-20), Baker Mbowa, Coach Ssali, Mark Twinamatisko (Head coach, The Saints F.C)
On Social Media: Yes (Facebook: Ssekajugo Sseamula Viane)
