Losing a loved one is a permanent painful experience that none would wish to get through but overcoming the status to live a delightful life is another life’s journey’s altogether.
Uganda Cranes’ CECAFA 2013 revelation, midfielder Khalid Aucho will not forget his late parents who died years back when he was still an infant.
“My parents’ death pains me every time i think of them, though i have now overcome that fear to work hard, train and play football to my best so that i live a decent life in future”, Aucho reveals shortly after winning his second senior cap in a Uganda Cranes jersey at Nairobi City Stadium (Uganda 3 – 0 Eritrea).
Khalid grew up in Jinja but just like many other young people, he always lived to a life dream of becoming successful in future.
“I thought of studying hard to attain a profession though fees at times was a problem”, he says. But the left footed midfield genius, who rekindles the fond memories of that sweet left leg in Willy Kyambadde (now Bright Stars FC coach), is quick to add, he had always admired to don the famous black, yellow and red stripped Uganda Cranes jersey.
The midfielder partially accomplished that dream when earned a call up to the national Under 20 team, The Hippos in 2012 during a World Cup Qualifier fixture against West African opposition, Ghana. The Ugandan juniors won 3-1 at the Nakivubo home in Kampala before being eliminated 3 – 0 in the return leg at Kumasi Stadium.
“I continued to train every morning and evening because i knew my time in the senior team would come any day”, Khalid, who admires midfielders, Tonny Mawejje and Ivorian International, Yaya Toure (2013 African footballer of the year) recalls.
Now at Kenyan Club, Tusker, Khalid who started his quite ascending career in Jinja with FUFA big league side, Jinja Municipal before coming to Kampala sides – Water and Simba Football Clubs, was among the 3 foreign based players (Dan ‘Muzei’ Sserukuma and Kizza ‘Diego’ Amis are the other two) that caught the eye of the vast scouting policy of Uganda’s Serbian Coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sedrojevic .
“The national team call up was expected because in every match i play, i put in my best effort”, the rather press shy player, who stands at 5.5 Ft says.
Khalid earned his maiden Uganda Cranes cap against Rwanda in the Group C opener at Nyayo Stadium where he put up a brave performance that left many fans and pundits alike awed by his timely tackling, ball controll, composure on the ball and eye for that through ball.
His second game (against Eritrea) was not the best performance of him owing to the bar he had set in the opener but the sky is the limit for the 25 year old whose shooting, ball protection among other game aspects need polishing to become a ready brand.
“Like i have told you, i will continue improving my weak areas and maintain the best i do”, he signs off, this time with hands as if picking something from the eyes.
Khalid At A Glance:
Full-Names: Khalid Aucho
Date of Birth: 8th August 1988
Parents: Muhammed Kakaire and Harriet Nalumansi (Both Deceased)
Place of Birth: Jinja
Education:Namagabi Primary School – Kayunga, St Thudus (O-level), Iganga Mixed School (A-level)
Football Career: Jinja Municipal (First Division), Water F.C (2009/10, Simba F. C (2010-2012), Tusker Football Club (January 2013 to date)
National Teams: U-20 (Hippos)- 2012, Uganda Cranes (Debut against Rwanda- 1-0 in Cecafa 2013)
Favourite Food: Rice and Posho with Meat mixed in Beans.
Role Models : Tonny Mawejje (Uganda) and Yaya Toure (Internationally)
On Facebook: Yes [@Khalid Aucho]
On Twitter: Yes [@Khalid Aucho]