Isabella Blick: from motocross champion to Teen Cranes star

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For many parents, watching their children showcase their God-given talents is a joyous occasion. But for Isabella Winifred Kabarozi Blick’s family, the pride runs even deeper as they witness her excel across multiple sports disciplines.

Known affectionately as Izzy, Isabella is a multi-talented athlete who has been a prominent figure in Uganda’s sports scene since the age of four. She first made her mark in motocross under the guidance of her sports-loving family.

By the time she transitioned from motocross to football in 2022, Isabella had already achieved a record-breaking feat, becoming a five-time national 55cc champion—a title that still stands.

Isabella. (Credit: Aloysius Byamukama)

The 16-year-old attacking midfielder has stormed onto the football stage with equal brilliance. She earned a spot on Sheryl Botes’ Teen Cranes U17 squad, contributing two goals to Uganda’s impressive 18-1 aggregate victory over Namibia, securing their progress to the next stage of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

“I am very happy that I have made a start and a good start in national colours. It was my second time doing this because I was on the Uganda team that played the FIFA Friendship Tournament in Turkey last year and scored against Botswana,” Isabella shares.

She credits her success to the unwavering support of her parents and family, who have been there for her every step of the way, including their presence at Nakivubo Stadium when the Teen Cranes faced Namibia in both legs of the qualifier.

“My parents have supported me through, and I thank them. My dad has kept encouraging me, and this has given me the spirit to keep working hard,” she adds.

Blick Brothers William and Arthur at Nakivubo with the rest of the Blick family in support of the Teen Cranes and Isabella. (Courtesy)

Isabella’s athletic prowess comes as no surprise, considering her lineage. Her father, William Blick, says she follows in the footsteps of her grandfather, Paddy Blick (RIP), and himself, both of whom excelled in multiple sports, including football and motocross.

“My father, the late Paddy Blick, played and coached Lint FC in Uganda's premier league in the mid-70s and played alongside the great Paul Sali at KCCA football team. At the same time, my dad was a motorcycling and rally champion. Both my kids have followed my father’s path” Blick notes.

However, he acknowledges that much more needs to be done to fully prepare Isabella for a successful football career.

“As a parent, I am so proud... Against all odds, she has represented Uganda at football U16 & U17, scoring for both teams. This I find remarkable but scary... as we have only just started our journey. This just increases the pressure and general public expectations for her to perform. There is still a lot of work to do to reach the level, so we are working very hard every day to improve strength, speed, and understanding of the game to catch up.”

Isabella is the eldest of three siblings—William Fredrick Blick Jr. (13) and Chloe Gisele Belinda Blick (6). She balances her academics at the French International School Klaf and her football training at Edgars Academy.

A fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, Isabella dreams of becoming a professional player in Europe, following in the footsteps of her brother Fredrick and cousin William, who are pursuing careers in Italy.