FACE THE KIDS

Yosia Kalunda and Harriet Kisaakye of City Parents, Benezeri Wanjala and Ravi Mashru of Aga Khan, Hellen Akoyo and Jonah Luswata of Kampala Parents, Abel Kaahwa and Joshua Asiimwe of Bat Valley Primary School talked to former national team captain Edgar Watson. Stephen Ssenkaaba transcribed the interview.

Kalunda: We have heard so much about Edgar Watson, who exactly are you?
Edgar Watson is a simple man from the Ndaula family. I was born in Uganda, my father is British, but am Ugandan. I come from a family of six, three boys and three girls. I was born in 1972.

Kisakye: When did you start playing football?
I started playing at village level. My first team was called Kyewagula (rebel). I played with St. Matia Mulumba church, Namirembe Cathedral teams and later Miracle Centre F.C. In 1992, we qualified for the Super Division. In 1995, I joined the national team. I joined Sports Club Villa in 1996. I played for the national team until my retirement.

Wanjala: What were some of your best and worst moments?
While in P7 at Kampala Primary School (now Aga Khan), I broke my leg. I got a compound fracture. People said I was going to become lame. I was so disappointed. When Miracle centre was relegated in 1995, I felt so bad. Another disappointment was when Uganda lost to Rwanda at Namboole.
Happy moments include the day I lifted the league trophy, scoring the goal that promoted Miracle Centre to super division and winning the East and Central Championship with Sports Club Villa. Being interviewed by you is also a special moment.

Mashru: How did you feel when you played your first national match?
I was so nervous. I couldnâ€™t even see the ball. I felt like a roof was coming down on me. It was terrible. It was a league match in Nakivubo. In the National team it was worse. My opponent was so fast. Fans called for my substitution. I thought Iâ€™d never play again, but my friends encouraged me.

Akoyo: What inspired you?
Love for football. I used to sleep with a ball in my bed as a young boy. It is this love that has taken me through all the hurdles.

Luswata: Who are your role models?
Marco Van Basten, Ssekatawa and Jack Nkurukunzire my former coach.
Kaahwa: So Sekatawa is the one who inspired you.
Ssekatawa used to stay near home in old Kampala. So, whenever I thought about footballers, his name came to mind.

Kalunda: Which position were you most comfortable playing?
I enjoyed the back â€œliberalâ€ position. This is because I was free in that position. I could easily attack and defend.

Kisakye: Why did you retire from national football?
One of my dreams was to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
After our failure to qualify, I realised I wasnâ€™t going to achieve it. So, I quit.

Luswata: Would you like to become a coach since you are retired?
I want to become a soccer teacher. We have formed a soccer company to this effect.

Kaahwa: Who was the hardest player you ever took on?
Maurice Sunguti. His turns were fast and confusing. He gave me a lot of headache.

Luswata: Why do you think that most people nowadays are going for idols in premier league?
We have so many loopholes in our system. So many things need to be improved.

Akayo: Tell us about your family.
Iâ€™m married with two children. The first is six and the second one is two. I also adopted one child called Kiddu. He is in Primary 7.

Akoyo: What advice would you give to young upcoming footballers?
Love the game. But also remember to balance it with your academics. Donâ€™t specialise yet. Never give up.

Mashru: If you had to play in Europe now, which club would you play for?
Real Madrid.

Asiimwe: What advice do you give to parents who do not accept their children to play football
I would advise them to let children pursue their dreams.