Kizza's move will open doors for more Ugandan players - Acheng

Montreal - Canada's epicentre of arts and culture - is notorious for long, cruel, and snowy winters.

Daytime temperatures average about -10 degrees Celsius in January, but the wind chills have been known to plunge below -30 degrees Celsius in the predominantly French-speaking city.

However, the pros in the city far outweigh the cons. There's a lot to like about living in a friendly, progressive, and liberal province that will offer Mustafa Kizza a chance to make an impact at Montreal Impact.

"Kizza's move to Montreal Impact is a huge success story for us. I believe he will make progress with time and open doors for other sportsmen in Uganda. I will personally help him settle in Montreal," Uganda's High Commissioner to Canada Joy Ruth Acheng told Vision Sport.

Kizza officially completed his transfer to Canadian football outfit Montreal Impact last Friday. He was later offered his preferred no. 12 shirt.

The 20-year-old then had a tour of the club's facilities before meeting his manager Thierry Henry and teammates ahead of his first training session at the club's new training facility at Centre Nutrilait.

"I thank Montreal Impact for giving Kizza a chance to perform at the highest level. I will monitor him and provide him with all the necessary assistance to settle in and perform to high standards because he's an ambassador for the talent coming through in Uganda," Acheng stated.

Acheng, whose interests in sports development have seen her work closely with Motherwell Sports Academy and Kampala Junior Team (KJT) Academy, has vowed to reiterate the need to identify sports as a potential revenue-generating source for the country.

"Government has supported sports but I will engage the authorities towards investing more into the sector. Sports should be looked at as an income-generating venture. It's a sector that can complement tourism in the country," Acheng added. 

"We need to invest money in nurturing more talent and not look for funds to support trips. Sports should be given a chance. Jamaica is what it is because of sports."

Mike Azira is the other Ugandan that left an impression at Montreal Impact during his spell at the club between 2018 and 2019.

Kizza's success story with KCCA suggests Montreal have added goals, assists, and international experience to their ranks. In his last season with KCCA, Kizza registered five goals and 12 assists from his defensive position.

His prowess from set-pieces is remarkable, and his presence going forward huge. Kizza is a natural athlete, with outstanding pace and endurance -two qualities that will set him apart at Montreal and promote the reputation of Ugandan talent.