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Umony relishing new life in administration

Umony (R) celebrates a goal during his playing days at KCCA. PHOTO/COURTESY 

What you need to know:

The ex-KCCA, SuperSport United, and Cranes striker is enjoying his transition from the pitch to sports administration, now spearheading  the professionalisation of the game under Fufa's Development Department. With Chan 2024, Afcon 2025, and Afcon 2027 ahead, he couldn't be better positioned.

Brian Umony is embracing his new chapter in football with zeal and purpose. The former Uganda Cranes striker is carving out a career in administration, utilising his knowledge and passion to elevate the sport in the country.

Umony spoke to the Daily Monitor on his way to Hormisdallen Primary School in Gayaza, where Proline Football Club are hosting a week-long residential training camp for players aged seven to 17. 

The camp, themed "The Life of a Professional Footballer," is conducted by coaches from Germany and costs Shs0.8m per participant.

“Another opportunity for my personal development, learning from the very best,” said Umony, 35, who now holds Caf C Beginners and Uefa Youth Trainers  licences. 

The latter course provides an introduction to specialised coaching for talented young players. Umony's new path follows his retirement at the start of the decade after a string of career-stifling injuries.

A smooth transition

“Fortunately, it has been a good transition,” admitted Umony. “From my Caf C license with Fufa to an international trainers’ course in Leipzig, Germany, it is going well. Now, I’m working with Fufa to help professionalise our game.”

The six-month diploma course in Germany, a German Federal State-funded programme, equips participants from developing nations with skills to mirror international standards. It combines online sessions with on-site learning and culminates in a dissertation.

“Fufa selected me and Bashir Mutyaba for this programme and handled the air ticketing for us. It’s a privilege, and we’re now implementing what we learned,” Umony shared. Mutyaba did not play to the highest level but is a promising sports administrator.

While in Germany, all expenses - including a stipend - were covered by the hosts.

Hands-on leadership

Upon his return in June, Umony joined Fufa’s development department. His focus is on professionalising the game - from ensuring clubs have proper governance and technical structures to improving facilities and coaching standards.

“My role is to create the right environment for young players transitioning into elite football,” Umony explained. “This includes clubs’ governance, health, and business aspects, as well as technical set-ups. 

It’s about ensuring players are assimilated into professional environments to maximize their potential.”

A typical day for Umony involves engaging with clubs and interpreting Fufa's professionalisation goals. “I’m the link between the federation and the clubs, ensuring football can thrive at a professional level,” he said.

Driven by purpose

For Umony, this career shift is about legacy, not just a paycheque. “I’m not motivated by money,” he emphasised. “It’s about leaving a mark on Ugandan football and being part of Fufa’s growth.”

Looking ahead, Umony is energised by opportunities like the 2024 Chan tournament coming to Kampala, Uganda’s qualification to Afcon 2025, and the East African region hosting Afcon 2027.

“Being part of these milestones is a bigger motivation than money,” he said. “Fufa is one of the leading sports organizations, and I’m grateful to contribute.”

A deliberate transition

Umony’s move from the pitch to administration was intentional. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Kyambogo University and business ventures, he prepared for life after football. He also credits Fufa president Moses Magogo for supporting his transition.

“We were handpicked and supported to study in Germany, then tasked with implementing what we learned,” Umony explained. “I’m thankful to the Fufa president for the opportunity.”

Overcoming adversity

While Umony’s transition seems smooth, his journey has not been without challenges. A career blighted by injuries - including a leg break in 2016 that led to three surgeries - forced him to retire prematurely.

“Losing four years to injury was devastating,” he reflected. “You can’t remain the same. But I’m past that now, and in a good place.”

Gratitude and family support

Umony acknowledges his privilege in transitioning seamlessly compared to other retired athletes. He credits his uncle, Zakary, who raised him after his father’s death. “He’s my role model, the father figure who shaped me,” Umony said.

Zakary also supported Umony’s football dream, encouraging him to stay in school as he chased it.

The former Naguru Avis star, Umony, was so promising he attracted the attention of the then KCC, where he instantly became the go-to-man.

Umony (in yellow) has made an often hard transition appear seamless. PHOTO/EDDIE CHICCO

Tough but resilient journey

Umony started his topflight club and national career like a house on fire. He top-scored with six goals as Uganda lifted the 2008 Cecafa title; and decisively downed Premier Soccer League (PSL) giants - SuperSport United - in the Caf Champions League the following year to force the South African club to sign him.

His first eight goals in as many Uganda Cranes games is the best game to goal ratio in his time.

But once he moved to South Africa, limited game time, limited formative age preparation for top continental leagues, and persistent injuries curtailed his promising career.

The above saw him take moves from SuperSport to Pretoria Tuks, Portland in the USA, Vietnam, Azam in Tanzania, back to KCCA, Express and then Proline.

But in it all, Umony never lost his focus. Along the way he made some significant earnings, built a home and put up some businesses that have kept him and his family going.

As an ambassador for The Legends Marathon, a race that supports athletes’ transitions to post-sport life, Umony exemplifies resilience and purpose. His story is a testament to deliberate planning and a commitment to uplifting Ugandan football.

About Umony

Former clubs

2003–2004: Nakawa United                     

2004–2007: Naguru Avis              

2007–2009: Kampala City Council

2009–2010: Supersport United

2010–2011: University of Pretoria (South Africa)      

2011→ Portland Timbers (loan, USA)

2012: Becamex Binh Duong (Vietnam)

2013-2014: Azam (Tanzania)

2014 – KCCA

2015-16: St George

2019: Express

2020: Proline

National team

Since 2009 – Uganda: 12 goals, 36 apps

Academic tit bits

·     Graduate of Economics from Kyambogo University

·     Scored 20 points from his History, Economics, Geography and Divinity combination at A-level

·     Scored 24 points in six subjects in his O-Level at East Kololo