SC Villa legend Hakim Magumba signs out
Aug 21, 2015
When Hakim Magumba walks out at Nakivubo Stadium on Saturday for his testimonial game, there will be two sides to this ceremonious event —tears and celebration.
By Fred Kaweesi
Testimonial match on Saturday, Nakivubo Stadium
When Hakim Magumba walks out at Nakivubo Stadium on Saturday for his testimonial game, there will be two sides to this ceremonious event —tears and celebration.
The tears will come through on the back of the reality that it will take ages to identify another player with the silky skills of the pint-sized midfielder.
The celebration will reflect the player’s successful career over the years that in total gathered 31 titles to his name.
To celebrate a career that has registered tremendous success over the last 20 years, a testimonial —the first of its kind, is being organised was only fitting for a player that gave so much for the game and inspired so many kids into taking up the game.
Although Ugandan football has produced talented midfielders down the years, very few, matched Magumba’s qualities.
If the player ‘nicknamed boda boda’ by Villa fans for his speed with the ball, had not been troubled with injuries —most notable the one that excluded him from the All Africa Games in 1999, he would have been ranked as Uganda’s finest in the era — an honour currently reserved for the likes of Steven Bogere, Fred Mugisha, Mike Kiganda, Edgar Watson, Moses Nsereko, Mathew Luchya, Vincent Semanobe.
As it is, he still retires as one of the best of his generation.
Throughout his playing career, Magumba has played with quality players, and a majority of them have promised to honour his testimonial match.
The star-studded list will include his former Villa teammates Edgar Watson, Phillip Ssozi, Hassan Mubiru, Andrew Mukasa, Ronald Mugabi, Andy Mwesigwa and others such as David Obua, Willy Kyambadde, Wilber Musika and George Ssimwogerere among others.
Uganda’s celebrated artist Eddie Kenzo —a former player at SC Villa —also promised to play in the testimonial game.
Magumba, who also played for Iganga, Kira Young and Rwandan side Atraco, retires with a list of honours that includes domestic and nternational silverware.
The player bows out after winning seven league titles, four Kakungulu Cup trophies, two CECAFA titles, one Hedex, Tusker and Castle Cup titles.
His last honour was the Uganda Cup he won with Villa last season.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday Vision last month, the former Cranes and SC Villa star, stated that: “I feel it’s time to retire. I have achieved a lot and I would want to thank all the fans that have supported me through the 20 years I have played football for club and country.”
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