Mbabali switches to USIU
Last season’s MVP Mbabali (Wananchi) joined USIU in Kenya. PHOTO by I. Kezaala
KAMPALA.
After a year of courting, United States International University (USIU) Kenya have finally added Wananchi midfielder Innocent Mbabali to their ranks.
Mbabali was last season’s Monitor Publications Limited (MPL) National Hockey League (NHL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) with five goals.
“For me this is an important step because Kenyan hockey is at a level Uganda should aspire to be,” Mbabali told Daily Monitor.
This is a deal that culminated after a series of trials in Kenya late last year and will see Mbabali represent the university side in the ongoing Kenya league. He could also represent them on home soil if they take part in the Easter Cup, 12 days from today.
And it tells how much USIU value the player that he has been allowed to continue keeping base in Kampala while he travels to Nairobi for match days. “They recognise I have an academy and projects for girls’ hockey here. So allowing me the time to continue with my work is an important contribution from USIU,” said the man who usually deputizes for Wananchi captain Derrick Akuwa.
Mbabali is also allowed to play for Wananchi as and when he likes since it does not contravene UHA rules.
