Kizito Luwaga is determined to succeed as a professional

By Julius Senyimba

UGANDAN midfielder Kizito Luwaga is steadily adapting to life in Portugal after launching his professional career with second tier league side Leixoes Football Club last September.

The midfielder says life in Portugal is different from home. There is quite a lot he misses back home –– his friends, relatively friendly weather and his favourite meal of groundnuts with fish and matooke. Luwaga told New Vision Sport that he is determined to succeed as a professional.

How is football in Portugal?

Portuguese football is characterised by a lot of speed, skill and short passing which makes it competitive. They hate long passes and long distance shooting. 

How did you secure a starting place in Leixoes?

It was not so difficult for me because my style of play is not different from what prevails here. The other important factor is that the coach has faith in me and I have tried hard not to let him down. I have so far scored six and made 13 assists in 25 matches.

What do you expect Leixoes FC to achieve this season?

We are fourth overall in the league and will keep exerting pressure on the teams ahead of us and go top of the event and win the championship, why not.

You got two red cards. What happened?

I won’t blame anyone because it’s part of the game. For the first red card, the league committee rescinded the referee’s act after watching the match video. The second red had no question marks. I got a second yellow following a foul that was unavoidable.

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Which is your dream league and why?

It is the English Premier League and I believe a move there will happen one day in future with the help of God. 

You seem to beat defenders with ease. How do you do it? 

It is a combination of pace, good footwork and I think intelligence.

Some pundits say you have the skill and deserve a place on Cranes team. What do you say? 

Everyone has his or her own opinion. I am happy to know people appreciate what I do. This gives me the motivation to work hard.

Tell us about the facebook post that you were in a dressing room Barcelona star Lionel Messi went to later.

This happened when we faced Benfica B in our league. Three days later, Barcelona with Messi present, used the same dressing room against senior Benfica side in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

Do you miss anything in Uganda.

I miss my friends, the relatively friendly weather and favourite meal of groundnuts with fish and matooke but life has to continue. But I am determined to succeed as  a professional player.