How The Airtel Masaza Cup Built Kitara Fcs Goal Machine Jimmy Kalema
The story
At just 23, Jimmy Kalema has already established himself as one of Uganda's promising young strikers. The Kitara FC forward has won two Masaza Cup titles, claimed the tournament's Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player awards, and scored the decisive goal that earned Kitara FC its second Stanbic Uganda Cup title.
His journey from the dusty football grounds of Kiboga District to Uganda's top flight illustrates how the Airtel-sponsored Masaza Cup has become a pathway for emerging football talent.
Details
Born to Teopista Birungi and the late Ben Kimuli, Kalema developed his passion for football at an early age. Interestingly, he did not begin his career as a striker. While at a football academy during primary school, he initially played as a left-back before one of his coaches recognised his attacking instincts and converted him into a forward—a decision that would shape his career.
Kalema attended St. Andrews Primary School in Kiboga before joining St. Paul Kyamutwe (Rock Base) and later completed his primary education at St. Balikuddembe Primary School in Kyankwanzi District.
His football career gathered momentum at Kiboga United FC, where he featured in the FUFA Regional League while still a Senior Two student. He scored 11 goals, attracting the attention of Buddo Secondary School, where he completed Senior Three and Senior Four under coach Simon Peter Mugerwa.
A turning point came in 2022 when Mugerwa was appointed head coach of Busiro County for the Masaza Cup. Believing in Kalema's potential, he included the teenager in the squad.
"I looked at this as a big opportunity, and I set myself a target of scoring at least four goals in the tournament. I surpassed my target and scored five goals, contributing to Busiro's first Masaza Cup title in 18 years," Kalema recalls.
Following Busiro's triumph, Kalema joined Mawokota County for the 2023 tournament, helping the team finish third.
Why it matters
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