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Sports Desk
Mbarara Sports Academy (MSA) has remained true to its mission and objectives, focusing on improving the wellbeing of young athletes through both sport and life skills.
The football academy—the oldest in the Ankole region and Western Uganda—will later this year celebrate its 15th anniversary, proud of its impact in shaping football careers and transforming lives.
Coach Salim Twaha helps a kid tie his shoelesses
Founded in 2010 by Salim Twaha, MSA began as a community-based project to create solutions for young people in Ankole and beyond. Looking back, Twaha says the journey has been rewarding:
“We are now 15 years in existence, and we can proudly say we have achieved many goals. We have produced stars earning a living both locally and internationally. Our players feature in almost every Uganda Premier League and Big League club, while others are actively playing abroad and making a living from football.”
Twaha explained that the vision of the academy goes beyond football:
“Our goal is not only to train young people in football but also to instill discipline and life skills. We want them to grow into responsible citizens—whether they continue in football or not. The holistic upbringing they receive here, combined with their school education, helps them mature responsibly.”
MSA kids during a training session
MSA’s vision is “Empowered youth who are able to make informed choices in life,” while its mission statement is “Reaching out to all youth with messages relevant to their social, educational, health, and economic wellbeing, using sports as a vehicle.”
Although Western Uganda has produced relatively few Uganda Cranes players, MSA celebrates those who have risen to the national team, most recently Ivan Ahimbisibwe and Brian Ahebwa.
The academy also boasts foreign-based stars such as Vincent Kyaligonza, Denis Komaketch, Kondok Torz, Nathaniel Atamba, and John Odut, along with several topflight and Big League players including Siraje Musindo, Bashir Ssekagya, Kaka Omony, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Clinton Kamugisha, and Andrew Asiimwe.
Today, MSA nurtures about 80 young footballers aged 6–18, under the guidance of qualified coaches. Training sessions are conducted during school holidays, ensuring that education is not compromised.
Some of the MSA coaches with the kids
Over the years, the academy has competed in numerous local events and lower leagues, with many of its players securing bursaries in leading secondary schools through football talent.
Torch Media Africa
