Steven Sserwada: Rising from the Streets of Kampala to the Red Bull Arena.

An Exclusive Interview with Ronald Badaaki, Compiled by Joel Gadafi

From the dusty streets of Kasubi to the dazzling lights of the Sports Illustrated Stadium, Steven Sserwada’s football journey is nothing short of inspiring. His story is one of resilience, passion, and determination—proof that dreams can come true with hard work and perseverance. In this exclusive interview, the young Ugandan midfielder opens up about his career, the challenges he’s faced, and his ambitions for the future.

Ronald Badaaki: Can you tell us about your early days in football and what motivated you to pursue a career in this sport?

Steven Sserwada: Thank you, Ronny, for this opportunity. I’d also like to thank Luca for arranging this interview. I was born in Kasubi, Kampala, and growing up there, I saw many talented young people struggling—not just in football but in life in general. Financial difficulties, lack of education, and tough social conditions were common in my community. That inspired me to pursue football—not just to make a living but to motivate others who come from similar backgrounds. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think about where I come from, and that keeps me going.

Ronald Badaaki: What does a typical training day look like for you? How do you prepare physically and mentally for matches?

Steven Sserwada: I start my day early with prayer, then go through my morning routine. By 8:30 AM, I’m at the training facility for breakfast and treatment if needed. If there’s a video analysis session, we attend that before warming up and heading to training. Afterward, I hit the gym, then recover through a sauna or massage before heading home. Training usually lasts about two hours, but the preparation extends beyond that. Mentally, I visualize my performance before every match, imagining key plays and how I’ll execute them.

Ronald Badaaki: Playing internationally must have been a big adjustment. How has that shaped your perspective on the game compared to playing in Uganda?

Sserwada: Playing abroad exposes you to a bigger audience and more opportunities. Back home, our league isn’t as widely watched, but internationally, games are broadcasted on platforms like Apple TV. The level of professionalism is also much higher—everything is structured to help you succeed.

Ronald Badaaki: How do you handle the pressures of being a professional athlete, especially in crucial matches?

Sserwada: Pressure is normal for every player, especially before big games. The key is managing it well. I focus on my training—if I’ve trained well, I know I’ll perform well. Before matches, I listen to music to help me visualize my performance. Once I step on the pitch, I trust the process and stick to the game plan.

Badaaki: You mentioned helping your teammates bring out their best. How important is teamwork to you?

Sserwada: Teamwork is everything. I try to push my teammates to perform at their highest level because their success also contributes to my growth. Hopefully, we can achieve something great this season.

Badaaki: Balancing a professional sports career with personal life can be tough. How do you manage that?

Sserwada: Mental health is key. I try to stay prayerful and focus on the game. If I let personal issues affect me, I won’t be able to perform well. My family understands that my career is important, and I know that if I succeed, I can take care of them. We also have doctors and psychiatrists to help us stay physically and mentally fit.

Badaaki: What were the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from Uganda to the United States?

Sserwada: The weather was a huge challenge—training in winter, especially when it’s snowing, is tough. The diet was another issue. In Uganda, we eat things like chapati and kikomando, but here, nutrition is strictly monitored. I even had to lose weight when I arrived. On the professional side, everything is structured—from game strategies to facilities—so settling in required an adjustment.

Badaaki: How does the support system for young players in the U.S. differ from what you experienced in Uganda?

Sserwada: Youth development is much better here. In the U.S., academy players play more matches, travel for games, and even train with first teams. In Uganda, youth players only get a few tournament appearances and then go months without competitive action. That’s why some talented players fade away before making it to the top.

Badaaki: What was going through your mind when you made your first-team debut for New York Red Bull?

Sserwada: It was a derby, and I was warming up when the kit-man called me to get ready. I was excited but also nervous. The game was 2-0, and I knew that any mistake could cost us. My focus was on playing simple and smart. When I got my first pass right, I felt more confident. A few minutes later, I was involved in the buildup to our goal, and that moment changed everything for me. The crowd, the atmosphere—it was unforgettable. That one game helped me transition to the first team.

Badaaki: You missed an entire season due to an MCL injury. How did you cope with that setback?

Sserwada: It was tough. Seeing my teammates play while I was sidelined was frustrating. At first, I was depressed, but I had great support from my teammates and coaches, especially Ibrahim Sekagya. I learned to be mentally strong and used that time to improve my weaknesses. Looking back, I realize that setbacks happen for a reason, and the most important thing is how you bounce back.

Badaaki: How have cultural differences influenced your experience as a player in the U.S. compared to Uganda?

Sserwada: The cultures are very different. In Uganda, we celebrate Christmas and Eid, while here, they have things like Halloween and Thanksgiving. I didn’t understand them at first, but they’re great for bonding with teammates. Food is also different, but I’ve adapted.

Badaaki: What are your goals for the upcoming seasons?

Sserwada: For my team, I want us to improve and achieve something this season. Personally, I want to develop more as a player and help my new teammates settle in.

Ronald Badaaki: Who has been your biggest inspiration in football?

Steven Sserwada: Ronaldinho. His journey and style of play inspired me, even though I can’t play exactly like him. Locally, I admired Sadam Ibrahim Juma and Hassan Mawanda Wasswa.

Ronald Badaaki: What do you want to achieve in your career before you retire?

Steven Sserwada: I want to invest wisely so that when I retire, I don’t have to rely on charity matches to survive. My goal is to secure my future and take care of my family.

Ronald Badaaki: If you had a chance to join a new club after Red Bull, where would you go?

Steven Sserwada: It depends on what’s best for my development. Before Red Bull, we had many offers, but we prioritized my growth over money.

Steven Sserwada’s journey is one of passion, sacrifice, and ambition. His story serves as an inspiration to young footballers, especially those from humble beginnings. With his talent, discipline, and drive, the future looks incredibly bright for the young Ugandan star.

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