From music dreams to national glory: Owen Muzafaru's volleyball journey

KCCA Volleyball Club's Owen Muzafaru says volleyball has completely changed his life, transforming him from a schoolboy with musical dreams into a Uganda national team player.

Born on August 12, 2001, and raised in Busembatia, Bugweri District, Muzafaru began his volleyball journey in 2019 while studying at Town Side Secondary School on a government bursary. At the time, his focus was not sport but music.

"My hope was in music. I used to record and perform songs," he said.

He later featured for Iganga Parents Senior Secondary School, where he developed his game from 2019 to 2023. He also played for Orange Block Busters Volleyball Club (OBB VC) between 2021 and 2023 before joining KCCA VC in 2023, where he currently plays.

His life changed when a stranger identified as Andrew Kibeesi spotted his potential and helped him secure a sports bursary at Iganga Parents Senior Secondary School, where he was introduced to competitive volleyball.

"I was just grateful to be in school on a bursary. Volleyball transformed me from a boy into someone people now recognize in my community," he said.

Muzafaru says volleyball has shaped him both on and off the court, building discipline and mental strength.

"The game intensity in 2021 forced me to grow fast or be left behind. Every loss, including the semi-final defeat to Sport-S in 2023, built my resilience," he said.

Despite early struggles for playing time, he says patience and hard work shaped his rise.

"I was not the most talented, but I showed up every day. I told myself I would work until I am undeniable," he said.

His time at KCCA developed him further, and he went on to win the 2025 National Club Championship.

"My proudest moment is winning that gold medal. It showed how far I had come from being a bench player to a key contributor," he said.

He also considers his debut at the 2026 CAVB Zone V Qualifiers, where Uganda won silver, a major milestone in his career.

Muzafaru recalls a difficult moment when Orange Block Busters collapsed during the 2022/2023 season, leaving him uncertain about his future.

"I felt lost and asked myself if this was the end," he said.

Encouragement from his mother kept him going.

"She told me, 'You didn't come this far to stop. Keep moving.' That gave me strength to continue," he added.

In 2026, Muzafaru earned his first call-up to the Uganda national team, a moment he describes as emotional and unforgettable.

"When I received the news, I was shocked. I just sat down in silence. It felt like everything had come together," he said.

He says wearing the Uganda jersey carries deep meaning.

"It is not just a shirt. It represents sacrifice, struggle, and everyone who helped me get here. I play for my mother, my community, and my country," he said.

Muzafaru credited his first coach, Jacob Ssenoga, for building his foundation and says volleyball has given him a family through teammates and coaches at both club and national level.

He says the sport has also taught him key life lessons: preparation, resilience, and strong character.

"Preparation beats talent. You win some, you lose some, but you never stop," he said.

To young athletes starting out in school sports, he offers simple advice:

"Start where you are, use what you have, and never despise small beginnings. Be patient but never give up."

He adds that circumstances should never limit ambition.

"Your situation is not your destiny. One day, you can also wear the national colours if you stay focused," he said.

Looking back, Muzafaru admits his life could have taken a very different path.

"I would probably still be in Busembatia focusing on music. Volleyball gave me a future I never imagined," he said.