Mukwala seeks trophies with Al-Nasr Benghazi after Simba SC exit

Uganda Cranes forward Steven Dese Mukwala has signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with Libyan giants Al-Nasr Benghazi, citing the club’s strong ambition and his own desire to win championships as the driving force behind the move.

Mukwala was officially unveiled on Tuesday, February 3, by the three-time Libyan Premier League champions, following his departure from Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC.

“Al-Nassr is a big club in Libya with big ambitions, and I also want to win trophies. I chose Al-Nassr because I am here to help them win more,” Mukwala said.

The striker added that the confidence shown in him by the club’s management played a decisive role in his decision. “The management trusted me and showed interest. They saw that I can be important to the team. I am here to score goals and take my career to a higher level. It is a pleasure that a club with such ambitions has reached out to me. This is an important step in my career,” he noted.

Mukwala confirmed his departure from Simba SC last month after contract negotiations broke down. His move to Libya offers a fresh chapter following a mixed spell in Tanzania, where he struggled for consistent playing time despite being regarded as a key player. He joined Simba SC from Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko SC in July 2024, scoring 13 goals in 28 appearances across domestic and continental competitions. His performances earned him a nomination for the FUFA Best Foreign-Based Player Award.

Born on July 15, 1999, Mukwala’s football journey began in the Masaza Cup with Singo Ssaza before progressing through the Edgars Youth Programme. He later featured for Vipers SC, Maroons FC on loan, URA FC, and KCCA FC, before moving to Asante Kotoko, where he enjoyed one of the most productive spells of his career.

On the international stage, Mukwala has been a regular member of the Uganda Cranes since making his senior debut in 2019, featuring in Africa Cup of Nations campaigns and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Al-Nassr Benghazi are three-time Libyan Premier League champions, most recently lifting the title in 2024. The club hosts its home matches at the Martyrs of February Stadium. The Libyan top flight also features another Ugandan striker, Erick Kambale, who plays for Al Sadaqa SC.