Star Balinya comes of age

When Juma Balinya single-handedly saved Police’s blushes against Paidha Black Angels before the international break - scoring only the third hat-trick of the season following Patrick Kaddu and Ibrahim Dada, he confirmed his status as one of the most thrilling talents in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL).
The former Vipers player has always had style, on and off the pitch, but now there is substance to his play too.

Indeed, with 19 goals, which established him as the top scorer of the 2018/19 season, he is the league’s most potent player, above even established stars like Daniel Sserunkuma, Kaddu or even Nelson Senkatuka.
Not that his boot came without a scare, as Senkatuka plundered five goals in Bright Stars 6-1 final day victory over relegated Paidha Black Angels. Good enough, Senkatuka had run out of games as he stopped at 16.

If the 27-year-old continues in his current vein, he won’t require the media to act as a middle man as his stats will speak for themselves.
The spotlight-shunning Balinya will let his feet not his voice stake his claim for a senior international place as he has already learned that - “hard work pays “. And he has had to work hard, especially this season.

Where it began
Sulaiman Bulamba was the coach that spotted the talent at about eight years. During this time, Balinya’s hero was his elder brother Isma Kalungi, who was a star midfielder at Kawempe Mbogo Primary School.
He played for Kayofa from about age eight until he moved to Hans in their U12 team for one season.
After joining fabled development side KKL when coach Eddie Butindo spotted him during one of the academy’s clinics at Old Kampala SS, he forged his reputation as the team went on to excel in the Gothia and Tivoli competitions in Sweden and Denmark, respectively.

In 2008, he joined Old Kampala SS for two years from Kawempe Public School before St Mary’s SS Kitende lured him away during his final year of high school in 2010. He soon transitioned into the respected Vipers team (then Bunamwaya).
Frustrated with his career going nowhere, Balinya made what he now regrets as the biggest mistake of his career when he run down his contract to join AS Port in 2014. The move looked as much of a gamble for the modest three-time Djiboutian league winners as it was the second born of six children of Rehemah Nanyanzi and Muhammad Kalule of Kawempe.

Little wonder two years later, he had to start again at Lweza where he spent the 2016/17 season. The 2010 East Africa Secondary Schools MVP later joined Police when Lweza was relegated.
Still waiting
He was anonymous all this time as he kept bubbling under. With 19 goals, moreover from a role where he is supposed to be creating goals, it was little surprise Police did not seek for replacements when Norman Ogik opted for Big League side Wakiso Giants.

Balinya has had heads turned all of a sudden to him in a season where rookies have set the pace.
His scintillating form also earned him a maiden call to the national team although he did not make the final squad to Tanzania in the final game of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

But while Moses Waiswa, and the likes of Erisa Sekisambu, Denis Iguma and Keziron Kizito all of whom played with Balinya and they still recognise him as their ‘master’, have made the final step to the Uganda Cranes, Balinya has been waiting in the wings nine years later after he showed potential.
“It always felt bad when guys who used to admire me were summoned for the national team ahead of me. But I still regret going to Djibouti because if I had stayed, I would have played for the Cranes,” he said.

Self-discovery
The midfielder, who is inspired by former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard and Mohamed Salah has been helped by peace of mind he now enjoys. He watches their movements on YouTube to learn a few tricks.
“I realised that if I score goals, people can recognise me. I did not plan to score these many goals but I am inspired to even fight harder,” he notes.
Police coach Mubiru has repositioned him in a more attacking role which may well be his best position in the long term.

His sharp movement, link-up play and desire for darting in behind defences make him a nightmare for defenders. This is what defined his career when he used to play with Sekisambu and Gift Ali in the notorious Old Kampala SS team of 2009.
What is clear is that Police will need to be on their mettle if they are to keep the league’s top scorer at bay. It is highly unlikely though as several teams have already made attempts with Wakiso Giants leading the way.

He credits his newfound form in part to player manager Musa Atagenda, who eased his financial troubles. “Now I must maintain top performances and I think this is my chance to prove it,” he said.
He makes personal training with younger brother Sadat Kabuye during extra training.
So it seems the only one waiting now is, Monsieur Sébastien Desabre

[email protected]