One on One Interview with retiring goalie Buule

Posted on June 28, 2022 - 1:34 pm by Ahmed Marsha

When footballers make the bold decision to call time on their illustrious careers, they usually retire from the game. And like the common phrase, “every finish line is the beginning of a new race,” many tend to venture into new roles closely attached to the craft they are used to. A huge chunk moves into coaching, others punditry while some go for football administration.

Godwin Buule who recently retired from football is not any different and the former shot stopper is not limiting his options in serving the beautiful game beyond the posts.

FUFA Communications had a chat with Buule to talk about the fond memories in his career and what next. Below is the excerpt;

FUFA Communications: You still look young and for a goalkeeper, you would easily keep going, what prompted you into making the decision of retiring from football.

Godwin Buule: Well, it is true age is still on my side and I would still carry on for the next five years but I weighed up my options and made extensive consultations from people around me. This helped me to come to a final decision which I really do not regret and I am ready to take on a new challenge.

FUFA Communications: Talking of new challenges, now that you have retired from football, what next for you?

Godwin Buule: For now, I’m doing punditry and commentary with 102.1 FUFA fm and FUFA TV. It is one area I have always loved passionately even when I was still playing and so far so good for me.

Godwin Buule during his commentary duties with 102.1 FUFA FM at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankuluku.

FUFA Communications: Majority of retiring footballers easily find coaching as their next career, how come you chose differently?

Godwin Buule: I personally don’t have interests there and like I said media is one thing I have loved since childhood, so it was easy for me to decide on where to go next after retirement. But in future, I’m also looking at football administration because I have vivid examples of former footballers taking up governance roles like Edgar Watson (FUFA CEO), Eng. William Nkemba (Former SC Villa President) and Allan Munaaba (acting CEO, URA) among others.

FUFA Communications: Let’s roll back the year a bit. How did you pick interest in football and what helped you into a player you turned out to be?

Godwin Buule: I would say the locality where I grew up because for any young boy growing up, football was the easiest game to play. I was born and raised in Lubaga and definitely this is a hub for many footballers. We used to train at Lubiri SS and had a chance to watch Miracle FC train in the evening. Players like Edgar Watson, Dan Obote and Gibby Kalule inspired us a lot.

Godwin Buule while playing at Proline FC.

FUFA Communications: Do you have any people you can mention that helped you when starting out?

Godwin Buule: I will start with my parents because they offered me the necessary support and granted me the opportunity to exploit my talent. Secondly, Mr. Dan Ntale who used to train us and surprisingly, I used to play as a right back but he told me to change position and that is how I ended up being a goalkeeper. Additionally, Mr. Eddie Butindo who exposed us to competitive football with Friend of Football (FOF) and Kampala Kids League (KKL) at a young age and that shaped a lot.

FUFA Communications: Take us through your first time playing in the League (Uganda Premier League) how did you feel?

Godwin Buule: Well, I even do not recall the game but all I remember is I joined Bunnamwaya (now Vipers SC) around 2010 and I was part of the team that won the League in 2009/10 season. We had done well at school (St. Mary’s Kitende) and coach Edward Golola made the decision to promote some of us. At Bunnamwaya I found Hamza Muwonge who was then on the Senior National Team, he helped me to settle in easily. I remember keeping six consecutive clean sheets that season.

Buule (in black) was part of Bunammwaya’s title winning squad in 2010.

FUFA Communications: You have had the opportunity to feature for Uganda at different levels, what is your best memory in the National team colours?

Godwin Buule: It has got to be in 2010 when Uganda Hippos (U20) won the CECAFA U20 Championship in Asmara, Eritrea. In the final against the hosts, we conceded a late equalizer and the game had to be decided on penalties. Thank God I was able to save one kick and we went on to win 4-3. But additionally, I have been part of the U23 Team and getting summoned on the Senior National Team.

Buule featuring for Uganda U20 National Team.

FUFA Communications: On the dark side of your football career, do you have any bad moments?

Godwin Buule: That season when Express FC nearly got relegated (2017/18). It was very tough for us because the club was in disarray. But thank God we fought until the final day of the season to help the team survive relegation.

FUFA Communications: Finally, what is your advice to the young players that are coming up?

Godwin Buule: My simple piece of advice to the budding players is to always remain disciplined and keep working hard. I believe with these two principles; you can scale to any heights.