By Ronnie Lusulire,
Meet Proline fc goalkeeper and kampala international school of Uganda goalkeeping coach Swaib Ssebagala who is slowly harvesting as both goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach.
When you come across Swaib you can’t give him the goalkeeping abilities he has. Free man as he is nicknamed, he originates from a humble background which has helped him to be hard working.
Born to Hajji Sempala Muhammad and Hajjati Nakiganda Amina, Swaib began his football career while in primary at kamwokya Islamic as a right winger putting up some great performances especially with his free kicks.
One day while playing for his childhood team kamwokya football academy, goalkeeper Meddie Sekitya now a business man got injured and there was no second goalkeeper on the sidelines which made coach Christopher Bongoole to put Swaib in goal and in that very much he saved the ball from crossing the line which made him so happy hence getting interest in goalkeeping.
He began serious goalkeeping training under then URA fc goalkeeper Joseph Babigumira(mayor) who motivated him a lot with great tactics. Swaib picked interest in goal and immediately started sharing ideas with friends.
He later joined Proline soccer academy where he met Bright Dhaira(father to the late Abbey Dhaira) who he says he greatly inspired him and gave him skills which have helped him upto date.
Swaib while at proline also began inspiring his friends to go for goalkeeping like Joel wacha (now at big league side hope fc) Sekimwanyi Umar, among others. He has helped a lot of young talent for example Erick Kiboowa the 2014 national u17 goalkeeper and now at at the national u20 (hippos), Ashraf Lubega, among others.
Swaib is one of the few academy players proline promoted to the senior side and greatly played a big role in the team’s return to the top flight by sharing his skills with goalkeepers Saidi keni and Nasser.
WHO DOES HE ADMIRE?
Swaib admires goalkeepers Idris Kameni, Itumeleng Khune, Onyango Denis, Iker casillas and Allan Owiny.
WHAT IS HIS DREAM?
His dream is to set up a big academy for goalkeepers given the basics and skills he has.
THANKS GIVING.
He goes on to thank everyone who has helped him in career say his Dad and mom, Ivan Bukenya, Savio Kabugo, Apollo Razak, Christopher Bongoole, Mujib Kasule, William Bakkabulinde, Bright Dhaira, Joseph Babigumira, his young brother Jibril Sekabira etc who have all been of great value.
ADVISE TO FELLOW FOOTBALLERS.
They should fear God and their parents because that’s where wisdom starts from and also encourages them to always work hard, be patient and rest.
