Sports Desk
He may be tiny and short, but he has a big “football head.” Uganda Cubs head coach Layrea Kingston has described him as “an adorable kid,” while Ethiopian media and fans have compared him to N’Golo Kanté—nicknaming him “Ng’oro”—because of his special skill set.
This is Henry Muhoozi, the talented 15-year-old midfielder from Amus College School, who has become the most talked-about player at the TotalEnergies AFCON U17 CECAFA Region Qualifiers in Ethiopia.
Muhoozi in action against Ethiopia
Muhoozi has featured in all five of Uganda’s matches, delivering standout performances each time— including Sunday’s semifinal, where his brilliance steered the Cubs past the hosts with a convincing 3–0 victory in front of a loud, passionate home crowd.
During the post-match press conference, Coach Kingston faced several questions about Muhoozi’s quality and why he was not on the team that travelled to Qatar. Pointing to his head to emphasize his intelligence, Kingston described the young midfielder as follows:
“He is an adorable kid. I remember when players were first presented for selection—he came in as an attacking player. But based on the way I want the team to play, I needed someone who could take care of the ball in tight spaces and make things happen.
Out of the sixty-six players I assessed, no one could do that role better than him. When I dropped him into the number six position there were critics, but every coach is different. A player Guardiola will sign may not be one Mourinho will sign.
For me, my number six must be excellent on the ball, and he fits that description. He is smart, he takes care of the ball and he has a very good future.”
Despite playing out of his natural No.10 role, Muhoozi has shown impressive maturity and composure—clear signs of a bright future. For him, criticism is secondary to performance.
“I am not bothered by what people say about me. What matters is what I do on the pitch to satisfy my coaches. It’s good when people appreciate you, but if the coaches don’t, then that becomes a different thing,” Muhoozi said.
Born on July 12, 2011, to Faridah Nakanwagi and Vincent Kakooza of Lukaya, Muhoozi is the second-born among six children.
During his early childhood, he hardly played football and never imagined he would become a footballer. The turning point came at Waggwa Memorial Primary School, where football was more of an entertainment activity than a competitive pursuit.
It was there that Mark Namanya discovered him while scouting young talent for Alfa Soccer Academy in Mbarara. With his mother’s support, Muhoozi joined Alfa—where he continued his primary education before enrolling at Kinoni High School for S.1 last year.
Muhoozi was later spotted by coach Willis Mbabazi after he unexpectedly featured for the school team in S.1 during the USSSA Rwampara District Championship.
“He is such a darling— a disciplined young man destined for a great future,” Mbabazi says.
The midfielder credits his parents for supporting him without pressure.
“I owe them a lot. They have supported me and never forced me into anything. I’m not yet what I want to become because I still have a long way to go, but I know I will work hard to get there,” he says.
In Ethiopia, Muhoozi has earned the nickname “Ng’oro Kanté” due to his midfield composure and intelligence reminiscent of the French star—despite his small stature.
He idolizes former Manchester City and current Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne as well as Allan Okello of Vipers SC. His dream is to play professional football in one of Europe’s major leagues—a journey he knows will require discipline, consistency, and hard work.
Uganda Cubs face Tanzania in the final at Abebe Bikila Stadium on Tuesday, December 2, and all eyes are already on Muhoozi to steer Uganda toward a possible title defence. Even if the Cubs settle for silver, the youngster has already stamped his mark—playing an integral role in Uganda’s qualification for next year’s continental showpiece in Morocco.
Torch Media Africa
