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David GOMBE

Famously identified to followers as Muyizzi Tasubwa (a hunter who by no means 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 main scorer with 24 targets, behind solely Majid Musisi (35) and Emma Okwi (28). Regardless of enjoying for giant golf equipment in Europe and representing the nationwide crew on massive phases, Miya attributes a part of his success to Airtel Masaza Cup.

Ugandans will ceaselessly bear in mind him for the decisive strike towards Comoros that ended the nation’s 39 yr look forward to qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations.

For Miya, that unforgettable second was constructed on the arrogance he developed whereas enjoying earlier than packed crowds within the Airtel Masaza Cup with Mawokota in 2013.

Born in Kampala to Aisha Mutesi, a matron at Kyambogo College, and the late Yusuf Muhammad, Miya’s soccer journey started when his expertise caught the eye of Dr Eddie Butindo, a lecturer at Kyambogo College and a buddy to Miya’s mom.

Whereas Butindo was teaching the Kyambogo ladies’ soccer crew, he invited Miya to coach with them, only for enjoyable.

To his shock, Miya blended effectively. He later launched him to the Kampala Youngsters League whereas he was nonetheless a pupil at Gombe Major Faculty.
Though his capacity was evident from an early age, Miya admits soccer was by no means his greatest precedence.

“I at all times performed soccer for enjoyable, however individuals saved telling me I had expertise. My father was a lecturer and at all times inspired me to focus on my books fairly than soccer,” he remembers.

Butindo took Miya to Gombe SS the place he was denied a bursary. He later took him to Bulo Mother and father Secondary Faculty in Butambala, the place he put up an impressive efficiency when his faculty drew towards St Mary’s Secondary Faculty Kitende in Buganda Faculties Championship. This stellar efficiency earned him a slot at Kitende whereas in S.3.

For Miya, becoming a member of Kitende meant competing alongside established faculty stars, together with then captain Eddie Mubiru. Nonetheless, his versatility shortly made him indispensable.

“I may play as an attacking midfielder, winger, quantity ten, holding midfielder, even in defence. That flexibility helped me break into the primary crew.” He says.

Whereas at Kitende, his coach Edward Golola, who had been appointed head coach of Mawokota FC invited him to be a part of the crew.

Initially reluctant due to his tutorial commitments, Miya ultimately 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 permit him to remain within the camp all through the event. He would obtain permission to go away faculty two days earlier than matches, be part of the crew for coaching, play the sport and return instantly.

Miya’s Mawokota FC reached Masaza Cup finals with Ssingo, the place he struck a dramatic late freekick winner handy Mawokota a historic 1-0 victory at Nakivubo Stadium earlier than a packed crowd in presence of Kabaka Mutebi.

“That victory nonetheless feels contemporary. Scoring the successful purpose towards Ssingo within the presence of the Kabaka was unforgettable.Getting the possibility to shake his hand whereas receiving my medal stays one of many proudest moments in my profession.” Says Miya.

After a profitable season at Masaza, Miya returned to Kitende for research, which he had already helped win again to again Copa Coca-Cola Nationwide Faculties Championships in 2012 and 2013.

His efficiency quickly earned him a transfer to his school-affiliated Vipers Sports activities Membership throughout his Senior Six trip, the place he performed for one season and led them to an unbeaten league title, completed because the league’s Most Helpful Participant after netting 11 targets and 7 assists. This success secured him a slot on the nationwide crew, and a file US$400,000 switch to Belgian giants Customary Liege.
For Miya, the largest achievement from the Airtel Masaza Cup was not a medal or a trophy, however the confidence to ship outcomes earlier than massive crowds.

“Taking part in earlier than 1000’s of passionate followers within the Masaza Cup ready me for the nationwide crew. The environment is exclusive as a result of supporters are available in numbers, deeply loyal to their counties. That have gave me confidence to ship leads to entrance of huge crowds, one thing many who haven’t performed within the event miss,” He says.
Miya believes that the identical explains why some gifted footballers excel at membership degree however battle on the worldwide stage.

“Some gamers have the expertise and high quality, however discover it troublesome to deal with the stress that comes with enjoying for the nationwide crew. The Masaza Cup helped me overcome that worry,” He provides.
That confidence has adopted him all through a profession that has taken him throughout 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 Airtel for creating platforms that remodeled his profession, from Airtel Rising Stars, the place he represented the Buganda Area 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 event stays certainly one of Uganda’s most necessary expertise growth pathways, and he needs to see it obtain even larger publicity by means of broadcasts.
“The Masaza Cup continues to provide gamers for the Uganda Premier League and the nationwide crew. If matches are broadcast dwell, extra followers will help the sport, much more younger gamers will probably be impressed to dream massive.”

As he prepares for AFCON 2027, following his historic return to Vipers after 10 years, Miya believes the arrogance he first developed within the Airtel Masaza Cup continues to form his performances right this moment. He urges younger gamers to work arduous, be disciplined and consider in themselves, which is the start of each profitable soccer profession.