Teenager Bogere stands among real stars

James Bogere thanked his "idol" Alexander Isak after the El Cambio youngster won the ForteBet Real Stars award as the best football player of December during a ceremony at Lazo Restaurant in Kololo on Tuesday.

The 16-year-old student of Blessed Sacrament Kimaanya continues to bask in the spotlight, capping off a stellar year as the top scorer with seven goals in the just concluded Cecafa U17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers held in Uganda.

As one of Uganda's football brightest talents, the young forward came out on top against formidable contenders Allan Okello and Jude Ssemugabi to take home the coveted monthly award that comes with a significant cash prize.

In a team sprinkled with talent allover and three other teammates; defender Hamza Ssengooba, midfielder Isma Magala and Elvis Torach, Bogere’s seven goals propelled him to the podium ahead of the others.

"At the end of the day, I have to focus on playing well. I am incredibly thankful for all the people who have supported me, especially. I want to score goals like Isak or Lewandowski, who have been my idols. The next success is Afcon and we must be ready," he said.

Recruited in 2020 from Jinja's Amerigo Youth Program which is run by coach Boban Tamale, Bogere was already a feared goal scorer while still a pupil at Manjeri Primary School in Buikwe where he exhibited a goal glut.

Adored for his speed and eye for goal, Bogere is a perfect goal poacher with a good height and intelligent mobility.

When Blessed Sacrament Kimaanya excited fans during the USSSA Boys football in Masaka, Bogere was sparingly used as he was set to travel to Denmark where he later had successful trials with AGF Aarhus, a top flight team in the Danish Superliga.

"I'm thankful to El Cambio because they teach us a lot of things and treat us as professional players," he said.

The last born of eight however needs to work on his aerial balls as he rarely scores headers.

Baagala, Batte win it

The monthly awards which are sponsored by ForteBet and Jude Colour Solutions also recognised boxer Nuhu Batte and netballer Margaret Baagala for their exceptional performances.

Batte (Cobap), had an exciting outing in December during the Uganda Boxing Champions League claiming his first belt with a narrow 4-3 split decision over teammate Matovu Ukasha.

The fast rising star of Margaret Baagala was recognised for her contribution to the team which finished second behind champions South Africa in the 2024 Africa Netball championship hosted in Namibia.

Since making her debut for the She Cranes during the Trent Series in Namibia in 2021, Baagala hasn't looked back. Known as a tough centre, she has filled the shoes of Ruth Meeme confidently.

The former Kakungulu and Kitende player has good feeding skills with a sharp ball which has earned her 'man of the match awards' at the World Cup, Africa Championships, Test Series and Fast 5s.

All winners were awarded a plaque and Shs500,000 cash prize.

ForteBet Real Stars awards

December awardees

Football: James Bogere

Boxing: Nuhu Batte

Netball: Margaret Baagala