FUFA Communications has covered quite a number of national team stars while on international duty whenever they come together to represent their country.
With Uganda Cranes now in camp and ready to take on Botswana and Algeria on 7th June 2024 and 10th June 2024 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, FUFA caught up with Steven Desse Mukwala-a player who has raised his profile by hitting the goals in the Ghana Premier League with Asante Kotoko and now in the Uganda Cranes set up.
FUFA Communications: Welcome to the Uganda Cranes Camp. What does it mean to you to be part of such a set up on national team duty?
Steven Desse Mukwala: It is a great honour for me to be part of the National team duty. It is a dream for any player to represent their country. I am not different from others. The feeling and connection between me and playing for my country in unbelievable. I am humbled and just cannot wait to give in my all for my beloved country and the entire team.
FUFA Communications: You’re wearing a beaming smile right now. Is it about the goal you scored against Ghana or the life you are enjoying in the Ghana Premier League with Asante Kotoko?
Steven Desse Mukwala: The goal against Ghana was of course of great impact. It helped build my confidence in the national team colours and I am so glad I scored. The Ghana Premier league has been so amazing with memorable moments for me to take home everyday and my teammates. As a club we have had challenges but the Kotoko fans have been lovely to the team. I can attribute this smile to the love I get from Ghana and also being summoned by the head coach of the national team to camp.
FUFA Communications: What kind of character and qualities do you bring to the Uganda Cranes camp as a striker that the rest of the team players will learn form you?
Steven Desse Mukwala: I think right now I am hungry for more. The fire in me to score goals in every game is what I possess right now and that is something to look up to.
FUFA Communications: Share with us your football journey from childhood until to-date and how has it inspired other young players dreaming to reaching such heights.
Steven Desse Mukwala: My journey is very interesting and full of great stories to share. I started from Kasese as a very little boy. The passion was evident right from Childhood. But the story changed the day my mother took me to Edgars Youth Programme in Kampala. I can firmly say my football journey started from Edgars Soccer Academy. Throughout my teenage years Mr. Edgar Watson made me the beast that I am today. He is a fatherly figure in my life and he will always have a special place in my life. From Edgars to Vipers SC and then to Maroons, followed by stints in URA FC and then to Asante Kotoko. It has been a journey to relish. I have had many young people reaching out to me for advice. But all I tell them is to keep working hard and show great discipline throughout their pursuit for greatness in their football journeys.
I went to Gayaza Cambridge College and later on Kibuli SS. I left profound football memories in both schools.
FUFA Communications: What message are you sharing with the fans looking forward to seeing the Uganda Cranes at Namboole again for the first time since 2019?
Steven Desse Mukwala: I call upon all Ugandans with great passion for football to show up at Mandela National Stadium. The players are excited and know the value of these games starting with Botswana on Friday. We have bene away from home for almost five years without playing at Namboole and that is a long time. We re ready as a team to exhibit our very best. We will fight for the 6 points in the two games.
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