Will Karisa earn respect as Best Player in Uganda? 

The Uganda Premier League 2022/23 season ending awards that are sponsored by Pilsner beer, held Thursday, July 6, had a novelty to them. For the first time, they were held in the five-star Sheraton hotel.

Secondly, the Master of ceremonies, working together for the first time on such an auspicious occasion, was a combination of two very eloquent individuals: KCCA FC’s media officer, Moses Magero, and the vibrant and beautiful female NTV journalist, Gystin Angarukiremu.

It was a parade of football’s very own in many aspects. Yet, even more profoundly, was the winner of the ‘Most Valuable Player’ of the season award, Milton Karisa. Not that it was a huge surprise that Karisa won the ultimate prize, to some people, he is a product of the dearth of football quality in the domestic game.

However, Karisa, did not stand on occasion. He was arguably the most smartly dressed individual on the night, unassuming, and meek; tenets that have probably contributed to his latest success. Can he finally earn the respect?

Four awards are what Karisa took home: the MVP award, most assists, coaches player of the season, and making the league’s best eleven.

He said: “Brother, I am humbled. This has given me more drive to do better for my team next season.”

This brought football pundit Collin Subika to say: “You may not see so much from Karisa’s game. But he is a willing runner. In the end, it is that work ethic that coaches want.” Sports journalist Clive Kyazze added: “Karisa’s achievement is a wake-up call to many players; that skill alone will not save you, but work in order to be as consistent as him.”

Karisa is the earliest at the training ground. His level of professionalism is unquestioned, too. When he is not on the field, he is with his family, resting. He thus comes for games fresh and focused. And love or loathe Karisa’s style of play, he guarantees effectiveness. And with that, he deserves the respect because he has earned it!