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David GOMBE
Famously recognized to followers as Muyizzi Tasubwa (a hunter who under no circumstances misses), Farouk Miya has his title written on the wall of fame for Uganda’s soccer.
At 28, he’s Uganda Cranes’ third all-time fundamental scorer with 24 targets, behind solely Majid Musisi (35) and Emma Okwi (28). No matter having fun with for big golf tools in Europe and representing the nationwide crew on large phases, Miya attributes part of his success to Airtel Masaza Cup.
Ugandans will ceaselessly keep in mind him for the decisive strike in the direction of Comoros that ended the nation’s 39 yr stay up for qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations.
For Miya, that unforgettable second was constructed on the conceitedness he developed whereas having fun with sooner than packed crowds throughout the Airtel Masaza Cup with Mawokota in 2013.
Born in Kampala to Aisha Mutesi, a matron at Kyambogo Faculty, and the late Yusuf Muhammad, Miya’s soccer journey began when his experience caught the attention of Dr Eddie Butindo, a lecturer at Kyambogo Faculty and a buddy to Miya’s mother.
Whereas Butindo was educating the Kyambogo women’ soccer crew, he invited Miya to educate with them, just for gratifying.
To his shock, Miya blended successfully. He later launched him to the Kampala Children League whereas he was nonetheless a pupil at Gombe Main College.
Although his capability was evident from an early age, Miya admits soccer was under no circumstances his best priority.
“I always carried out soccer for gratifying, nonetheless people saved telling me I had experience. My father was a lecturer and always impressed me to concentrate on my books pretty than soccer,” he remembers.
Butindo took Miya to Gombe SS the place he was denied a bursary. He later took him to Bulo Mom and father Secondary College in Butambala, the place he put up a powerful effectivity when his college drew in the direction of St Mary’s Secondary College Kitende in Buganda Colleges Championship. This stellar effectivity earned him a slot at Kitende whereas in S.3.
For Miya, turning into a member of Kitende meant competing alongside established college stars, along with then captain Eddie Mubiru. Nonetheless, his versatility shortly made him indispensable.
“I could play as an attacking midfielder, winger, amount ten, holding midfielder, even in defence. That flexibility helped me break into the first crew.” He says.
Whereas at Kitende, his coach Edward Golola, who had been appointed head coach of Mawokota FC invited him to be part of the crew.
Initially reluctant resulting from his tutorial commitments, Miya in the end accepted the invitation out of respect for Golola and since Kitende director Dr Lawrence Mulindwa hailed from Mawokota.
Nonetheless, Miya’s tutorial focus didn’t allow him to stay throughout the camp all by way of the occasion. He would receive permission to go away college two days sooner than matches, be a part of the crew for teaching, play the game and return immediately.
Miya’s Mawokota FC reached Masaza Cup finals with Ssingo, the place he struck a dramatic late freekick winner helpful Mawokota a historic 1-0 victory at Nakivubo Stadium sooner than a packed crowd in presence of Kabaka Mutebi.
“That victory nonetheless feels modern. Scoring the profitable goal in the direction of Ssingo throughout the presence of the Kabaka was unforgettable.Getting the likelihood to shake his hand whereas receiving my medal stays considered one of many proudest moments in my career.” Says Miya.
After a worthwhile season at Masaza, Miya returned to Kitende for analysis, which he had already helped win once more to once more Copa Coca-Cola Nationwide Colleges Championships in 2012 and 2013.
His effectivity shortly earned him a switch to his school-affiliated Vipers Sports activities actions Membership all through his Senior Six journey, the place he carried out for one season and led them to an unbeaten league title, accomplished as a result of the league’s Most Useful Participant after netting 11 targets and seven assists. This success secured him a slot on the nationwide crew, and a file US$400,000 change to Belgian giants Customary Liege.
For Miya, the most important achievement from the Airtel Masaza Cup was not a medal or a trophy, nonetheless the boldness to ship outcomes sooner than large crowds.
“Collaborating in sooner than 1000’s of passionate followers throughout the Masaza Cup prepared me for the nationwide crew. The atmosphere is unique on account of supporters can be found in numbers, deeply loyal to their counties. Which have gave me confidence to ship results in entrance of big crowds, one factor many who haven’t carried out throughout the occasion miss,” He says.
Miya believes that the an identical explains why some gifted footballers excel at membership diploma nonetheless battle on the worldwide stage.
“Some players have the experience and top quality, nonetheless uncover it troublesome to take care of the stress that comes with having fun with for the nationwide crew. The Masaza Cup helped me overcome that fear,” He gives.
That confidence has adopted him all by way of a career that has taken him all through Europe and Asia. After Customary Liege, Miya featured for Royal Excel Mouscron in Belgium, Sabail FK in Azerbaijan, FC Lviv in Ukraine, Konyaspor and Caykur Rizespor in Turkey, and now Ilioupoli FC in Greece.
Miya credit score Airtel for creating platforms that reworked his career, from Airtel Rising Stars, the place he represented the Buganda Space and St Mary’s Kitende, to the Airtel Masaza Cup the place he scored eight targets and helped Mawokota elevate their third title.
Miya believes the occasion stays definitely considered one of Uganda’s most crucial experience development pathways, and he must see it receive even bigger publicity via broadcasts.
“The Masaza Cup continues to offer players for the Uganda Premier League and the nationwide crew. If matches are broadcast dwell, further followers will assist the game, rather more youthful players will in all probability be impressed to dream large.”
As he prepares for AFCON 2027, following his historic return to Vipers after 10 years, Miya believes the conceitedness he first developed throughout the Airtel Masaza Cup continues to type his performances proper this second. He urges youthful players to work arduous, be disciplined and think about in themselves, which is the beginning of every worthwhile soccer career.
