I'm proud to play for Thierry Henry - Kizza

Mustafa Kizza is over the moon.

Forty-eight hours since his dream move to Canadian outfit Montreal Impact was confirmed, the 20-year old is still struggling to come to terms with the reality of linking up with one of football's biggest names in Thierry Henry.

But that should be understandable for a man who launched his career in the humble community grounds of Kibuli, and at Kakungulu High Memorial.

Despite being born in 1999 -incidentally the same year Henry signed for Arsenal -Kizza holds fond memories of the French World Cup winner's stints at Arsenal and Barcelona, memories that inspire and can only shape him into a decent player.

"For me, this is a dream. To imagine playing under Thierry Henry is just difficult to believe. Henry is a legend. I have very good memories of his playing days at Arsenal and Barcelona and I hope to learn so much from him," Kizza told New Vision Sport on Tuesday.

Henry's well-established status in world football -at least as a player-  will potentially earn the Ugandan a golden opening to Europe. That of course is his intended final destination considering his age bracket.

"This transfer means a lot to me and I will do everything to impress my new coach. I want to learn from Henry and improve my all-round game," he added.

Although his deal officially starts on August 12, Kizza will continue working on his fitness with KCCA FC, under a loan arrangement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He will not be considered for a place on Montreal Impact's international roster, although Montreal have the option of flying him into Canada if the global health situation improves.

Henry is in his first season as the Impact first team head coach, after being appointed on November 14, 2019.

But despite registering an indifferent start as a football manager, he has a clear strategy and an understanding of where he wants Montreal to be in the next couple of years.

"We want to be a team that's going to possess the ball and put pressure when we lose it," Henry told the media recently.

With Kizza in his ranks, the 42-year old might just achieve that.

The two-time Uganda Premier League, Uganda Cup and CECAFA champion is a natural athlete with outstanding pace, and is brilliant at set-pieces - three qualities that will set him apart at Montreal.