Joel Mutakubwa: My role models are Denis Onyango and Jan Oblak.  

I had a one on one interview with the Uganda cranes and Express short stopper, he talks about his achievements and desires in the sport. 

Tell us, who’s Joel ?

I am called Joel Mutakubwa, born in Jinja district Uganda on 17th July 1995. I am a professional football playing for Express FC and Uganda cranes.

May you please tell us about your education background.

I went to Iganga boys for my primary, I then join kiira College Butiki for S.1 and S.2  then Caltec for my S.3 and then joined St Florence in bugembe for my S.4. I rejoined Kiira College Butiki for my S.5 and then  Jinja SSS for my S.6.

When did you start playing football?

It all started with the inter house games organized at Butiki, first I was a defender then goal keeping caught my eye but it wasn’t that serious but when I lost my dad in 2007 things got tight and I had to take football serious so it could be pay my tuition up to the university and by God’s grace it did.

Could you please take us through the clubs you have played for up to date.

I went through an academy there after joined  Kirinya Jinja SS the current Busoga United, Tooro United, kyetume FC and now currently I am playing for Express FC.

Who motivated you to play football and not any other sport?

Locally, our former Uganda cranes captain Denis Onyango and internationally Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid.

What is your greatest achievement in football?

I am what I am today because of football, I have met friends that add something onto me. Football enabled me complete school and many more. 

What gets Joel emotional?

Losing a game and then conceding a goal since I am a goal keeper.

What’s that move you made in life and you were like this move changed my life?

It was quitting Kiira College Butiki to join Jinja SSS, it’s the bitter truth because Jinja  SSS natured my talent more.

Well, we know you are playing for Express FC, what’s your take on your club’s performance last season?

Like any other club, such seasons come and go. Things didn’t happen to the expectations but we promise our fans next season we are coming stronger like never before.

What was that moment of you in the previous season? 

It’s when I got a National team call for the World Cup qualifiers and being the CECAFA kagame best goal keeper in Tanzania.

What challenges have you so far encountered in the game of football?

Just know there are many challenges we face in football but you just have to face them head on and leave the rest to God.

What is your main goal of playing football?

To represent the nation to the best of my abilities and to go professional outside Uganda and Africa at large.

How is it like playing with an experienced player like Murushid Juuko in the same club?

Juuko is born a commander actually he’s someone your very safe when he’s in front of you in your back line 

What are your intentions after playing professional football?

To do more investments and settle in there and as well give a push to young talents that would wish to play football in life.

Which photo do you have in your phone and it brings great memories and why that photo?

A photo of me holding a CECAFA championship trophy in 2019 at MTN Omondi stadium Lugogo,Uganda because it is my first trophy with the National team.

Joel, what kind of advise would you give to young footballers that looks up to you?

You should follow your dreams, you shouldn’t be discouraged, football is all about hard work and commitment. Then before anything always say a prayer to God. 

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