Watambala makes Chan case in Cecafa
Watambala plays against Eritrea in the Cecafa Cup which Uganda won last week. PHOTO JOHN BATANUDDE.
KAMPALA- With Vipers’ policy of exporting their brightest and best players every season , it seems only a matter of time before enterprising midfielder Abdul Karim Watambala joined the likes of Farouk Miya and Moses Waiswa in the paid ranks.
Watambala is, quite simply, one of the most exciting and budding midfielders in Uganda at the moment and his energetic display in the just concluded Cecafa tourney as added to the already growing stock at league aspirant Vipers .
Barely 20, Watambala gifted with a lethal left foot, can pass the ball for fun, thread passes in the the tightest of spaces, dribble and accelerate from deep areas with his jaw dropping box to box displays most times betraying his tender age.
Comparisons to the Uganda Cranes great Willy Kyambadde have inevitably surfaced but like the lad agrees, it is still a long way to go.
“It is very important (that he has started his senior career on a promising note). It’s my first international tournament and I’m glad we won it,” revealed Watambala who started two matches as Cranes wrapped up the 15th Cecafa title.
Vipers title ambitions are largely premised on the performance of the midfield realm spearheaded by the daring Watambala who won the Copa schools tourney with St Mary’s SS Kitende this year. He says he gets the courage to play at the big stage from the advice of his club coach (Edward Golola) and national team coach (Johnny McKinstry).
“Coach Golola told me to play my best game whenever I get the opportunity while McKinstry told me the chances will always come if I give it my whole,” he revealed. Many kids have impressed on first assignment but the most frightening aspect with Watambala is that this is only the beginning.The Chan tourney in April is surely within his reach along with Bright Anukani, Mustafa Kizza and Allan Okello.
