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SAMMY SSEBADDUKA: Ugandan explosive winger on a meteoric rise at Gil Vicente

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Alex KABWAMA

Name: Sammy Ssebadduka

Date of Birth: 30th December 2002

Current club: Gil Vicente Academy

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Position: Attacking midfielder

Sammy Ssebadduka was born to former Posta FC early 90s legend Godfrey Sembeguya and Solome Nanvule residents of Canada.

Ssembeguya was among core players that oversaw the promotion of Posta FC in 1996 where they sealed elevation to the Uganda topflight league alongside State House FC which had the likes of Ibrahim Sekagya.

He also featured in the Uganda Hippos team that conquered the East and Central Africa (CECAFA) tournament that was held in Ethiopia. It’s at the same tourney that Andrew Fimbo Mukasa announced his name to the big stage.

Trading the path of his father, Sammy Ssebadduka got signed up by Portuguese side Gil Vicente under their Academy wing.

Currently, Ssebadduka is undergoing trial assessments with OPSM sports Agency in Canada’s capital Ottawa where he hopes to up his career.

Sammy Ssebadduka 2nd front row in a team photo

Speaking to this website, a hopeful Ssebadduka stressed that he has been approached by a number of scouts and agents.


“Yes, my coaches have told me that many representatives of numerous clubs across Europe and North Africa have made inquiries about me and this makes me inspired to work harder”



Like any other budding footballer, Ssebaduka’s dream is to one time represent Uganda on the international stage despite being also eligible to play for Canada.

“Obviously there’s a chance to play for Canada but if an opportunity presents itself to play for Uganda, I wouldn’t have a second thought”

“My parents have only spoken good things about Uganda and I will be very proud if one day don the Red, Black and Yellow stripes”

He optimistically added.

Blessed with bags of skill, athleticism and an immaculate deft touch on the ball, Sammy draws his inspiration from former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.

Sammy with his Dad, former Posta FC player Godfrey Sembeguya

At an early age of 11 in 2014, Sammy was voted as the Most Valuable player of a kids tournament staged in Portugal, it’s from here that SL Benfica drew their interest in the youngster.

Five years later, his goal-scoring instincts were exhibited when he top-scored in an Inter-Catholic schools tournament held in Toronto where he also guided St.Mary’s Catholic school to the championship.

His talent also caught the eye of former State House player Geoffrey Evans Kizito who praised his willingness to learn and improve his game.

“I admire his drive and ambition to grow into a better player every day, he is always a wily listener with a big never give up mentality”

Said Kizito who also resides in Canada.

” I have seen Sammy grow from childhood to the explosive winger we see today, he has developed in a country blessed with top-notch facilities unlike us who grew up in Uganda”

“He has great technical ability, proper general understanding of the game and I believe he has all it takes to become a top pro footballer “.

Like the old adage goes, charity begins at home. Ssebadduka is blessed to have been born of a football man Godfrey Ssembeguya who breathed and lived the game. The old man has big Hope’s in his son to reach the heights he only dreamed of.

“Every parent would love and wish the best for their children, I am no different and hope he continues with the tremendous journey to stardom and supersedes what we achieved”.

“It is great carrying on my legacy and with the help of the almighty, he will achieve the dreams of becoming a professional footballer and also represent our motherland Uganda at all levels”

Sammy poses with one of the many trophies he has won

Godfrey Ssembeguya his dad.

With Jonathan McKinstry an ultra-modern technician in place, Ssebadduka’s dream is not far from reach.

The Northern Irishman revealed that he has not limited his selection on only players that meet the eye but also monitor every Ugandan who plays football around the globe.

” With the help of the federation, we shall have to monitor every Ugandan footballer and see how to bring them on course”

Said McKinstry after his appointment.

Moses Opondo (OB Odense, Denmark), Roy Jayden Onen ( Previously at Brentford, England), Elvis Okello Bwomono (South End, England), Karl Antony Mubiru Ikpeazu (Hearts of Midlothian, Scotland) and striker Ibrahim Sekajja have also been contacted and big beneficiaries of the Irishman’s policy.

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