Novice of Knights" - Member of the Uganda National Team

Twenty-year-old Isma Mugulusi, who represented the Uganda national team in youth matches and is considered the future of the country, will play for the "Riteriai" team next season. A few weeks ago, the footballer arrived in Lithuania and already made his debut in the new team in friendly matches against "Garliava". On that occasion, he scored a goal and provided an assist.

"The season will show everything, but I believe he will be one of the most interesting players in the entire league. Such a player will definitely add quality to our young team," said Vytautas Masaitis, the sports director of "Riteriai," about the newcomer.

Born in the town of Busoga and learning the secrets of football, the new member of "Riteriai" was drawn to football by following in the footsteps of his two-year older brother. The latter currently represents the native country's "Bul" club.

"My childhood dream was to become a professional footballer. I always remember myself playing in the streets and never parting with the ball, whether I was going to bed or school. The greatest victory playing among children was taking the second place in a tournament where almost 1000 schools competed.

At the age of seventeen, I made my debut in the "Busoga United" team in the Uganda "Premier" league. By then, I was already being called up to youth national teams, and in 2021, I made my debut in the men's national team. After that debut, I started my career as a legionnaire," said the first Ugandan playing in Lithuania.

Isma, since no Ugandan footballers have played in Lithuania so far, introduce the football situation in your country.

It is a privilege and pride that I can represent my country far from home. Speaking of the level of football in Uganda, I can say that it is truly not bad. There is a reason for this - the Uganda Football Federation focuses on youth, and we are grateful for that. Results are already noticeable - three years ago, our country's U-20 national team managed to reach the final in the African Cup.

A couple of years ago, you started your legionnaire career. As I understand, the beginning was not easy?

Definitely not. I went to Greece after the African U-20 championship. The team had already started preparations, and I tried to catch up with the train that had already left. The weather changed, food changed, and my adaptation period took longer than I wanted. That's why I am very happy that I arrived at "Riteriai" well before the start of the season.

Why "Riteriai"?

There are several reasons. While still living in Greece, I heard a lot of good things about the cultural aspect of Lithuania. Also, I am coming to a club that knows how to work with youth, how to provide opportunities to participate in good tournaments.

What goals have you set for yourself coming here?

My main goal is to help the team secure a place in the A league. Also, I hope to be a leader both by scoring goals and making assists. I want to be the best player in the league, I want my country to be proud of me. In general, I want to take as much as possible from this stage. That's why I'm here.

This year, "Riteriai" will be a very young team. Is it more of an advantage or a disadvantage?

Personally, football is not the place where you have to think about age. The result is created by the right players, the right decisions of the coaches, and the right selection of the whole team.