KNOW YOUR STARS: Keneth Byaruhanga, the Bwizibwera promising football prospect

Keneth Byaruhanga, 20, is among the numerous young talented football players world over with a bold dream to play professional football and represent their country of birth in international events.

Born to John and Beatrice Baniogana in Bwizibwera village, Mbarara in the Western part of the country, Byaruhanga  who is close to 6 feet in height loves the game of football to the brim.

Little wonder, across the divide, he is nick-named Neymar Junior, after the talented Brazilian footballing gem.

Just like many scripts for budding sportsmen especially in the third world, Byaruhanga’s does not differ since he was given a firm push by the elder brother, Albert Mugizi.

My older brother Albert Mugizi inspired me to play football and he encouraged me to like the game further. As I grew up, I also met coach Fred Kajoba (Uganda Cranes goalkeeping coach and head coach at Bright Stars FC in the Uganda Premier) as well as Ian Ssendi who also gave me a lot of hope and encouragement

As a young boy at Muko Primary school in Bwizibwera, Byaruhanga would still enjoy the beautiful game with his peers.

He joined Rutooma S.S and grew in confidence especially after meeting coach Kabumbu for more skill development lectures.

Neymar Jr & Ian Ssendi inspiration:

Byaruhanga was inspired by his main mentor, Ian sendi who plays and manages FC Minneapolis in USA as well as cheeky PSG and Brazilian forward Neymar Jr.

It is no question, I have been greatly inspired by Ian Ssendi and Neymar Jr. Ssendi trusts me and l like him. He also arranged trials for me to join FC Minneapolis and luckily was selected to join the American club in 2016 but paper work remains the hurdle.  He really means a lot to me, he is my second parent on earth.

Big dream:

Byaruhanga’s dream remains one; train well and get spotted to the Uganda’s top tier clubs which will be a spring board to the world’s finest leagues.

“It is only a matter of time that I will be exposed before making my dream to play professional football. But first, I want to make the grade for the Uganda Premier League before progressing. I thank all those who have helped me in my football journey since childhood to-date. I will keep focused” he adds.

For now, Byaruhanga is attached to regional side Rushere and he continues to work his work out for the best in life.

Locally, Byaruhanga can skip lunch and supper to catch his favorite clubs Mbarara City and KCCA in action.

Internationally, he supports Manchester United and French side PSG, home to his role model Neymar Junior.

Profile:

• Full Names: Keneth Byaruhanga
• Nick-Name: Neymar Junior
• Parents: John Baniogana and Beatrice Baniogana
• Place of Birth: Bwizibwera, Mbarara
• Date of Birth: 1^st January 2000
• Education: Muko Primary school, Bwizibwera, Rutooma S.S (O & A Levels)
• Football career: Played school team football with Muko Primary and Rutooma Secondary schools, Rutooma S.S Football Club (4^th division and Regional league), Bushenyi Young Tigers (Western Regional league), Bwizibwera United, Rushere FC (Todate)
• Role models: Ian Ssendi and Neymar Junior
• Playing positions: Attacking and defensive midfield
• Key attributes: Good vision, ball control, shooting and passing from all ranges

Achievements

• MVP and young upcoming talent western regional schools tournament (2013)
• Winner Kashari county schools cup 2013,2014,2015
• Winner Mbarara district school’s championship cup at Rutooma ss-2013
• Winner Western region Schools champions cup
• Best midfielder western region for 2 years (2014 and 2015)

Toughest opponent faced: Ivan Eyam (midfielder Mbarara City and Uganda U-20 team)

Clubs supported: Mbarara City and KCCA (Uganda), Manchester United, Barcelona and PSG (Internationally)