Canada-based Ssebaduka dreams of playing for Manchester United

The modern game of football seems to be all about speed and power. Today's most successful players are faster and sharper than ever, a requirement modern coaches look out for in players.

In Sammy Ssebadduka, 17, Uganda could have discovered another gem that should be an asset to both the national U-20 and the Cranes soon.

Following in the footsteps of his father Godfrey Ssembeguya, Ssebadduka who was born in Canada to Ugandan parents is determined to scale the heights and play for the national team, having developed his skills with different academies since the age of five.

"It means a lot to play for the national team since my dad used to play for them back in the days. Since he did fulfill his dream, I also want to follow in his footsteps," Ssebadduka said in an interview.

Ssebadduka, whose role model is Juventus' Christian Ronaldo wants to emulate the Portuguese star and executes his moves with the agility and poise of the world star.

"I love all the other Ugandan players and I look to one day play alongside them. My favourite position is on the right-wing because that is where my dad used to play; I love running a lot on the line distributing the ball and I always aim to keep on top of my stuff," Ssebadduka said.

Besides football Ssebadduka wants to become a lawyer ‘so that I can help out families"

In 2014 he traveled to Portugal and played for the Benfica Academy which he regards as his best career moment so far, but his biggest dream is to make it to the Cranes and maybe later play for Manchester United.

His dad Ssembeguya played for Posta in the first division in 1994 before, and when it was promoted to the Super Division in 1995-97. Ssembeguya believes the exposure his son has received will allow him to be sported by professional teams like Toronto FC, Vancouver FC, Montreal Impact among others.

"We are looking forward to him being invited to the national U-20 team because he is soon making 18. We want him to be exposed to the competition out there so that he can eventually realize his dream,"

"We have exposed him with different teams in different age categories since he was five herein Toronto and we would like to see his game move to the next level as soon as possible. We are working with different agents to ensure that happens,".

Ssembeguya said a team in Orawa has commanded him to different Universities in the US where he will continue nurturing his talent.

Solome Nanvule the mother and a teacher by profession says he expects his son to excel in the game because he loves what he is doing and that she has been very supportive both morally and finically.

"I'm just embracing his dream, just to encourage and empower him to do what he loves to do. I will be the proudest parent to see him play for the Cranes because I love my country, and I think it will be the best give-back to Uganda," Nanvule stated.

According to Collins Katende a member of ‘Uganda Cranes-Toronto', Ssebadduka is a speedy and lethal player with lots of skills.

"He stands out because he likes to share the ball and anyone would like to play with a good player like him,"

"He is a passionate player, has the confidence, the swag, the agility and I expect big things from him. He needs to find another team now where can express himself and become a complete player because I feel we have given him a good foundation here," Shafiq Najib captain of the Cranes-Canada added.