Ace Football lists and profiles the five greatest Ugandan midfielders throughout football history.
Forwards score the goals, but midfielders are the ones who create them. These players can make a difference at any time. They’re in the most demanding role on the pitch, one that requires several attributes to succeed.
Being a slick passer is the most obvious one. Then there is the need for excellent vision, a high level of fitness, and a high level of technical ability – not to mention a never-say-never attitude.
So, with these traits in mind, Ace Football lists its choices for the five greatest Ugandan midfielders of all time.
5. Stanley Mubiru
The ‘Tank’ is arguably one of the greatest wide-men in Uganda’s history. His sturdy frame was no disadvantage. In fact, his opponents dreaded him all the more for it. It made him almost impossible to take down as he used his physical strength and pace to filter through defenses with the ball at his feet.
Stanley Mubiru had a knack for producing pin-point crosses, often resulting in goals for his teammates. He was a huge hit for Express FC and the Ugandan national team, winning trophies for both sides.
Mubiru won CECAFA with Uganda in 1973, scoring in the 2-1 win against Tanzania in the final in Kampala. The winger helped Express claim back-to-back league titles in 1974 and 1975. He passed away in 1989.
4. Denis Obua
Another former wide-man to take this list is the late Denis Obua. He had a deadly left foot and excelled down the flanks, producing several unforgettable moments during a fabled career.
Obua played his club football at Police FC, Maroons, and SC Villa. The star could play in all outfield positions. His stylish dribbling, meanwhile, made him a handful for defenses. He also smashed in some powerful shots back in the day, as well as excelling in set-pieces, and finished as the league’s top-scorer in 1977.
Obua also represented Uganda in three Africa Cup of Nations (1968, 1974, and 1976). He later turned to coaching in his post-playing career, before eventually becoming FUFA boss in 1998 for six years.
3. Mike Kiganda
The ‘Computer’ was brilliant at intercepting passes, famed for showboating, and for initiating counter-attacks by splitting opposition defenses wide open during games.
Mike Kiganda was part of a rare breed of Ugandan midfielders who always troubled their foes. His game-reading abilities were second to none. It allowed him to enjoy an impressive career, winning the 1975 league title with Express FC and the 1978 Uganda Cup with Nsambya.
On the international scene, Kiganda won two CECAFA cups with Uganda in 1976 and 1977. He also featured in the 1976 and 1978 AFCON tournaments, helping the Cranes reach the final in the latter.
2. Moses Nsereko
Known as ‘Kisolo kya manyi’ (strong animal) and ‘Master Planner’, the late Moses Nsereko was a renowned midfield maestro. He had the vision, intelligence, mentality, and physical prowess to succeed in the role.
Nsereko was the full package, capable of winning and distributing the ball effectively. The star was integral for KCC, winning five league titles and three Uganda Cups between 1976 and 1984. He also won the CECAFA Club Championship for the club and donned the No.14 jersey out of respect for Dutch legend Johan Cruyff – a player he greatly admired.
On the international scene, Nsereko won three CECAFA titles with Uganda and represented the Cranes in three AFCON campaigns – including their run to the final in 1978.
1. Jackson Mayanja
‘Mía Mía’ was, without a doubt, one of the most prolific Ugandan midfielders. The star was great at reading the game, a slick passer, and scored goals at ease. Many hailed him as the most talented player of his generation.
The two-time USPA Footballer of the Year won two league titles and two Uganda Cups at KCC. He became the club’s captain in 1996 and finished as their joint top-scorer a year later.
Jackson Mayanja also helped Uganda to three CECAFA titles during his international career and finished as the Cranes’ top-scorer in the 1993 Nations Cup qualifiers with six goals.
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