Summary:
- Kigezi HomeBoyz Chief Executive Officer Brian Akankwasa emphasized the importance of honoring individuals who have significantly contributed to the sport.
KABALE: Kigezi HomeBoyz Football Club, based in Kabale District, southwestern Uganda, has honored former footballer James Zatwoshaho with a Life Membership Award in recognition of his immense contributions to football.
The 96-year-old Zatwoshaho received the award on Sunday during a thrilling BetPawa FUFA Big League match at Kigezi HomeBoyz Al-Maddina Stadium, where the club defeated Kataka Football Club 1–0. The decisive goal was scored by Ashiraf Nkurunungi in the 91st minute of added time in the second half.
While presenting the certificate, Kigezi HomeBoyz Chief Executive Officer Brian Akankwasa emphasized the importance of honoring individuals who have significantly contributed to the sport.
“As Kigezi HomeBoyz Football Club, we believe in recognizing and appreciating those who served the game with passion and dedication. They laid the foundation for the progress we enjoy today,” Akankwasa said.
He noted that the Life Membership Award will grant Zatwoshaho VIP privileges at the club’s home matches. Akankwasa described him as an icon and a role model for young footballers in the Kigezi region.
“Mzee Zatwoshaho, a former Kabale District Sports Officer and a defender during his playing days, has been a pillar of sports in Kabale and the wider Kigezi region. He championed sports development during his tenure,” Akankwasa added.
After retiring as Kabale District Sports Officer, Zatwoshaho managed Kabale Municipal Stadium. Even in his advanced age, he was often seen marking football pitch boundaries, erecting corner flags, and hanging goalpost nets until he fully retired from sports activities.
CUE IN AKANKWASA……ON ZATWOSHAHO…..RR/ENG//
Brian Zatwoshaho, a former player in the Uganda StarTimes Premier League and son of Mzee Zatwoshaho, expressed admiration for his father.
“My dad inspired me to pursue football. He is renowned as a world-class trainer of athletes and footballers,” Brian said.
CUE IN BRIAN…..ON HIS DAD……RR/ENG//
Who Is James Zatwoshaho?
Born in 1934, James Zatwoshaho grew up in the Kigezi region and attended Kigezi High School.
He played for the Kigezi Province team, where his exceptional skills earned him a spot on the Uganda national team in 1959.
He played for the national team for eight years before retiring in 1968.
Following his playing career, Zatwoshaho joined FUFA as an administrator. In 1973, he traveled to England for training in football management and later joined the FUFA Executive Committee upon his return.
He retired from active sports administration in 1992.
Mzee Zatwoshaho remains a celebrated figure in Ugandan football.
