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KNOW YOUR STARS : Goalkeeper Derrick Were keen to follow footsteps of his father

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Were Derrick making a big save

DAVID GOMBE

Full Names : Derrick Were
Nickname : Mannone
Parents : Samuel Were and Ayot Gladys
Tribe : Mugwere
Education : Murchison Staff Nursery and Primary School, Shimoni Demonstration School, Nakirebbe Primary School Mpigi district, Bishop Cypriano Kihangire in Luzira, Risah Standard High School, Royal Giant High School Mityana, Blessed Sacrament SS Kimaanya in Masaka, Uganda Christian University (current)
Role Models : Denis Onyango, Vitor Mannone and Manuel Neuer
Hobbies : Listening to local music, watching soccer and movies.

Derrick Were is a budding footballer who plays as a goalkeeper and captain for Uganda Christian University.

He is regarded as one of the best custodians in the Pepsi University Football League. Were has been described as a sweeper keeper because of his unique playing style and speed when rushing off his line to anticipate opponents.

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He is also known for his quick reactions, outstanding shot stopping ability and a cool head in penalty shoot outs.

Were Derrick making a big save

FAMILY BACKGROUND :

Were’s parents are Gladys Ayot and Samuel Were, ironically a former footballer at Maroons FC.

“My Daddy inspired me to play football because i used to watch him play for Maroons FC in 2005. I feel blessed to have a parent who values the beautiful game as well as education.”

EDUCATION CAREER :

Were is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business in Management at Uganda Christian University, Mukono. In 2019, he graduated with a Diploma in Business administration.

He began his educational career at Murchison Bay Staff Nursery and Primary School, joined Shimoni Demonstration School and completed his Primary seven at Nakirebbe Primary School in Mpigi.

He joined Bishop Cypriano Kihangire in Luzira for only his S.1 before joining Risah Standard High School where he finished his four year lower Secondary School also called “O-Level.”

For his A-Level, Were studied at Royal Giant High School Mityana and Blessed Sacrament SS Kimanya in Masaka.

Were celebrates after guiding UCU to a penalty shoot out victory at Lugogo

FOOTBALL CAREER :

Were began his soccer journey at Maroons Academy and was guided by veteran Maroons goalie Godfrey Atiku whom he rates highly towards the development of his football career.

During his time at Nakirebbe Primary School in Mpigi, he captained the school to the 2010 Kabaka Cup.

At Risah standard High, the latter helped the school finish at the quarterfinals of the National Copa Coca-Cola Schools championship held in Hoima in 2015.

With the likes of Filbert Obenchan (KCCA FC), Felix Okot (Maroons FC), Pius Obuya (Maroons) they helped Blessed Sacrament SS Kimanyana finish third in the 2016 National Copa Coca-Cola. He was named in the selected dream team of the competition with the likes of Allan Okello, Julius Poloto, Herbert Achai and Ali Mwerusi.

Were receives a gold medal from the Kabaka of Buganda at Namboole in 2018

The 21 year old goalie has won three Airtel Masaza Cup trophies, two with Ssingo (2015 and 2018) and once with Buddu in 2016. He also won the Kabaka Coronation trophy with Ssingo in 2018.

Were also played a vital role as Kiboga Young gained Big League promotion in 2017. He also helped Kiyinda Boys to the Regional League promotion.

In 2018, he was summoned on the Under 20 team but unfortunately he missed out on the final cut.

2019, was another fruitful year for Were, as he captained UCU to their first ever Pepsi University Football League trophy and the AUUS trophy in the football category at the event that was held by University of Kisubi.

Were lifts the 2019 University League trophy with UCU

Were was named as the Most Valuable Player and the best goalkeeper in the Pepsi University Football league last year. He also claimed the UCU Most valuable player award in the same year.

ROLE MODELS :

Were is a keen admirer of Uganda Cranes and Mamelodi Sundowns custodian Denis Onyango and former Arsenal goalie Vitor Mannone as well as Bayern Munich and Germany shot stopper Manuel Neuer.

“I was a big fan of former Arsenal goalkeeper Mannone and that’s why I was nicknamed his name.” Currently I like Neuer because is a ball playing goalie.”

DREAM IN FOOTBALL:

The UCU custodian’s biggest dream is to follow in the footsteps of his goalkeeping hero Onyango at the National team. He also sees himself play for Vipers or KCCA FC in the Uganda Premier League and a professional career in Europe.

“I want to play for the senior national team and emulate my role model Onyango.”

SPECIAL MENTION

Were applauds his coaches and Journalists who have been instrumental towards his career.

“I take this opportunity to thank my coaches Shafiq Bisaso, Noah Mugerwa, Jackson Nyiima, Jimmy Mwera, Backer Kasule, Jerome Muwonge.”

I cannot forget journalists such as Alex Kabwama, Rose Nakyeyune, Katongole Kiwanuka and Lawrence Mubiru indeed they have done a tremendous role towards my career.”

Were’s target this year is to lead UCU to back to back Pepsi University Football League trophies.

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