Do not write me off yet - Anthony Bongole

A mini survey among some Ugandan football followers reveal that they have written off energetically aggressive striker Anthony Bongole from among the prospective players in the country. But in an interview with sports writer Swalley Kenyi, the player has vowed to disprove them by the end of the 2013 season.

How is Sports Club Victoria University?

I have just joined them and I cannot say much. I’m only happy that they give me everything that I need so it is upon me to prove my worth.

So you are still hopeful in Ugandan football?

Indeed. I’m only 26years old and I plan to prove my worth so that (Uganda Cranes) coach Williamson and his technical people can see me and possibly recall me on the national squad. I believe I still have something to offer even in the forthcoming (2014 Brazil) World Cup qualifiers.

What do you think about playing professional football again?

I think the (knee) injury that ruled me out for the whole season in 2008 cost me a career. I lost a lot. That time I watched as my of my peers turned professional. They are the people who have matured in the game and enjoying their careers. But will not be an excuse for me. I have been on loan to St George for six month.

I did well there but only returned because the contract expired. It is only unfortunate that my plans to go to SuperSport in South Africa have not matured yet. I was there with only two days to the end of the transfer window.

Nonetheless I’m only praying that another injury does not ruin my plans.

Many people would like to know who Bongole is.

Ans: I’m a hard and aggressive player. I admired the way late Majid Musisi played. Majid and Jackson Mayanja may have been far better than I’m but I enjoy shooting the ball to score like them.

Actually Mayanja is my favourite coach in Uganda. I learned a lot from him and it gives me an edge over many striker of my time.

What do you think about doping in Ugandan football?

I think it is not rampant in Uganda but rather exaggerated by football fans depending on someone’s way of play and where they come from -ghetto or upscale Kampala.

For example I come from a ghetto in Kawempe and many have said that I smoke marijuana just because of my hard tackles and aggressiveness. It is not true that I smoke marijuana.