Ugandan players should emulate Mubiru

Hassan Mubiru on Friday briefly sent me into a state of excitement previously only evoked by stars like Phillip Omondi(rip) and Polly Ouma. A tightly marked Mubiru, while charging at an SC Villa defence, received a pass from the rear. Without reducing speed he sent defenders into disarray by feinting a shot and instead flicking the ball past tenacious fullback Patrick Musoke. Mubiru, then heading for goal, was only stopped by a rough tackle that earned Cranes a penalty. What followed seemed not to matter. Mubiru had in split seconds displayed brilliance rarely seen on the local scene. His balance and timming marked the difference between genius and the ordinary. That the move was one of Mubiru's first touches after coming on as a substitute, not only underlined the striker's skills, but also his nerves. That's the footballer whom Express FC tycoon Godfrey Kirumira bought from the richest Ugandan club SC Villa in order to re-instate silverware that has for some time been missing at Wankulukuku. You would expect such a talent to have an inflated ego. But you are humbled when you meet Mubiru off the field. He even seems shy. Instead of bragging, he reveals that his skills are not only about genius, but also hard work. Beneath his reserved nature is a determination to excel that is rare in Ugandan players. Like a professional out to account for the fortune that he was given, he has vowed to pay Kirumira back with a trophy. His resolve is such that he is even ready to turn down lucrative professional soccer offers before paying Kirumira. Not that I would like him to miss out on the lucrative offers, but I also would not mind his continued presence in the local league as this would guarantee some good soccer. Ugandan football would greatly benefit if other players copied Mubiru's disciplie and determination.Imagine having ten Mubiru's in a league-our stadium's would certainly fill up again. With the 2001 Nile Special Super League two days old, it is not yet late for other Ugandan players to borrow a leaf from Mubiru. Soccer talents, some even better than Mubiru, abound in Uganda but like the drive to reach their full potential. Ends