Kiiza itching to knock on door of greatness again

KAMPALA. Vipers’ newly signed striker Hamis ‘Diego’ Kiiza is desperate to rediscover his scoring touch - as fast as he can - to help steer the Venoms to their league title retention bid in the final stretch of the season.
Like a mercenary, hitherto club-less Kiiza was recruited on a six-month deal and is determined to pay Vipers for their ‘sweet gamble’.

“I was still suffering after conflicting with my former club (Ethiopian side Fasil Kenema) when Vipers president (Lawrence Mulindwa) gave me a tempting call to join Vipers, I didn’t hesitate,” Kiiza told SCORE. And yes, the former URA, Simba, Yanga and Hilal net-buster still shaking off some rustiness accrued from being on the fringes for many months, is determined to give it another shot with Vipers.

“Football requires hard work and being consistent to be recalled by the national team or get another professional stint.
“Through Fufa, I have taken Kenema to Fifa court because they owe me about $50,000(about Shs185m) in salary arrears and that is why my International Transfer Certificate (ITC) delayed for a month while I trained with Vipers. I will get back to my best soon,” revealed the man who saved Vipers’ blushes in 1-1 stalemate Tooro United.

Kiiza scored eight goals for the Ethiopian side in the second round before hell broke loose. His wish is that Uganda Cranes recall – if ever it is to come – comes naturally.

Club-hopper
Kiiza’s journeyman career can largely be tagged to lacking a permanent agent - which explains the short spells at clubs that he can ‘personally’ negotiate.
“People see me as unserious when they see me back in the country after a short while.
“It hurts, but it is better to continue searching for those abroad deals than stay here where few local clubs can afford to meet your financial demands.”

Feeling at home now
Kiiza wants his performances to be the basis of either staying permanently at Vipers after this season or leaving – and his ‘long standing cordial relationship with Mulindwa’ will also play a part.
“I have always returned to URA but this time Mulindwa showed me more love when they kept silent. I know most of the players here so I hope to help the team win trophies.”

Playing role
Having started as a ‘false nine’ in Vipers new-look attack force with Wafula and Dan Sserunkuma in the club’s 1-0 away victory over Nyamityobora on February 5, Kiiza hopes to adapt fast but refuses to set himself a goal target – ostensibly to lessen the pressure on himself.

His new coaches; Edward Golola and Michael Ouma already have him in their grand plans to overturn KCCA’s league onslaught – and his real test will ultimately start when the league resumes after the Uganda Cup with the season heading into its business bend.

BIOGRAPHY
Full name: Hamis Kiiza
DOB: October 10, 1990 (29yrs)
Birth place: Mulago
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Position: Forward
Senior career:
Nalubaale: July 2007 – July 2009
URA: July 2009 – July 2011
Yanga (Tz): July 2011 – Feb 2015
Simba (Tz): Feb 2015 – Aug 2016
Free State Stars (SA): Aug 2016 – Jan 2017
URA: Jan 2017 – May 2017
El Hilal Obeid (Sudan): May 2017 – March 2018
Fasil Kenema FC (Ethiopia):
March 2018 – Aug 2018
Vipers; January 2019 – todate
Uganda Cranes; 2011 - 2015, 26 matches (11 goals)