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Prodigy: Dan Mumbere showcased rare football talent that left fans mesmerised
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By Our Reporter
The continued restriction on overage players in the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) football competitions is beginning to yield positive results, aligning with the association’s objective of identifying and nurturing young talent.
Schools have started giving playing time to younger athletes as a way of keeping the talent identification process alive. At the recently concluded USSSA Ankole Zone Boys Football Championship in Bushenyi, a promising talent with exceptional ball skills was discovered.
Dan Mumbere, a Senior One student at Nyabubare SS, featured for his school team. Although they did not qualify among the top four teams set to represent the zone at the national USSSA Boys Football Championship kicking off in Ngora on Monday, Mumbere still made a lasting impression.
Dan Mumbere (middle) is joined by teammates to cerebrate his goal
In international age-category competitions, very young athletes are typically not allowed to compete in events four or more years above their age group. However, the 12-year-old was carefully and cautiously fielded by his coach, Lasmas Kiiza, during the final minutes of each game. 
A female fans gives Dan Mumbere a sweet after he scoring one of the goals in the schools competition in Bushenyi
Mumbere thrilled the crowd every time he stepped onto the pitch. When he scored a goal against St. Jude, contributing to his team’s 4-0 victory, the spectators erupted in wild cheers and showered him with gifts at the final whistle.
“He is young and very talented. It is our duty to protect and guide him so he can realize his career dream. He is still too young for the U16 team but will remain with the squad for the USSSA Ball Games II,” said team manager Ricky Turyamureba.
A fan runs to Dan Mumbere with a gift as he cerebrated his goal against St Jude in Bushenyi
Mumbere was born on October 15, 2013, to Edson and Miria Muthakeshya of Nyakasanga West, Nyakasanga 3 Ward, in Nyamwamba Division, Kasese Municipality, and is currently training with the Kasese Junior Soccer Academy.
He says he wants to work hard and become a top player capable of representing Uganda on any of the national teams in the future.
