Canada-based Ssebadduka joins Hippos for U20 AFCON qualifiers

The Uganda U20 team, the Hippos, have called up 17-year-old Sammy Ssebadduka, a Canada-based Ugandan footballer ahead of the forth coming U20 AFCON qualifiers.

Last month, Hippos coach Morley Byekwaso summoned a provisional squad of 46 players to begin preparations for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations Zonal qualifiers.

The team comprises of six goalkeepers, thirteen defenders including Ssebadduka, ten midfielders and sixteen forwards.

In an interview with New Vision, Ssebadduka expressed excitement about his recruitment, pledging to do his best.

"I have learnt from other players how they play compared to the ones in Canada, it is a big difference compared to the one in Canada, but it pushes me. I can't wait to play for Uganda," he said.

Born to Ugandan parents in former Posta FC legend Godfrey Sembeguya who made his name in the 90s and Solome Nanvule, all residents of Toronto, Ssebaduka plays various positions but predominantly as a wing back on both flanks.

"I have professional experience with trials at Benfica's academy winning their player of the year," he said.

Ssebadduka who is currently in the country for the camp, wants to represent Uganda on the international stage despite being also eligible to play for Canada.

Uganda is in Group B alongside Burundi, Eritrea and South Sudan. The zonal qualifiers will be staged in Tanzania from November 22 to December 6.

Aged 11 in 2014, Ssebadduka was voted the most valuable player of a kids' tournament staged in Portugal and it was from here that Benifica drew their interest in the youngster.

Now playing at Gil Vicente, a Portuguese soccer club in Toronto, he has been traveling and playing football since the age of five.

Despite having Canadian citizenship, Ssebadduka says he is honoured to join the Hippos to grow his career.