Ailing Sentamu was a dazzzling winger of the 1970s and 1980s 

I was recently out and about in Kabowa, a Kampala suburb, when I came across Moses Sentamu, a former KCC and Uganda Cranes right winger.

He looked weak and could only walk with difficulty. He was in pain and explained his plight to me. He suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure and ulcers. He is being treated at Nsambya hospital.

The now 65-year-old Sentamu is currently a shadow of the likeable youngster who thrilled crowds with his spectacular displays in the 1970s and 1980s.

In an era when most players used their imposing physiques to win duels, Sentamu relied solely on his skill and pace. The diminutive winger, who was nick-named Kalolo because of his small size, was quick and had exceptional striking technique with his cultured right foot, which made him a real source of danger in and around the penalty area.

STELLAR CAREER

He is one of the most decorated players, both in the club and in the country. And to top it all, he was also a member of the famed 1978 Uganda Cranes that reached the Afcon final. On the flipside, he was injury-prone and his troublesome knee kept him on the sidelines for some time.

Sentamu started his football journey with Nakivubo Boys, but since the team did not play in the official Fufa League, he moved to Express FC in 1973. At the time, he was only 17 years old, which hurt his chances of earning a regular spot in Express FC’s star-studded squad.

In 1974, KCC was promoted to the first division and goalkeeper George Mukasa was an admirer of the winger. He approached KCC head coach Bidandi Ssali and introduced him to the then 18-year-old.

Bidandi, an admirer of young talented players, signed the young player whom he assured of games. The family of Sentamu, a known supporter of Express FC, initially resisted the move but later gave up after realizing they are hurting his progress.

He opted for the No. 3 jersey, which he wore for nine years at Lugogo. Bidandi gave him his debut against Police and brought him on as a late substitute. The two teams tied 1-1 and Sentamu scored the winning goal.

Since then, he became a permanent starter in the team. Bidandi greatly liked Sentamu’s style of play, especially his dribbling skills and versatility. He deployed him in several positions, but preferred to use him on the right wing.

He was instrumental in the club’s golden era, during which they won two league championships (1976 and 1977). In fact, Sentamu scored 19 league goals in the 1977 season. That year, Sentamu’s creativity was enhanced with the arrival of Hassan Biruma.

Then in 1978, Sentamu played all the games as KCC lifted the Cecafa Club Championship. In the final, it was Sentamu who converted the first penalty in the shootout against Simba FC of Tanzania. In the 1978 season when Jimmy Kirunda scored 32 goals, Sentamu provided 17 assists, setting a record that took 22 years to break.

THE UGANDA CRANES CALL

His form attracted national coach Peter Okee, who summoned him to deputize for the experienced Stanley ‘Tank’ Mubiru. He had already participated in the 1976 and 1977 Cecafa Cups in Zanzibar and Somalia respectively, which Uganda won. In both tournaments, Sentamu used an unused subsititute.

He had his best time in 1978 when he participated in the 1978 Afcon in Ghana. Yet again, he sat on the bench in all five matches. Nonetheless, the Afcon remained the greatest achievement in Sentamu’s 13-year football career.

He also participated in the 1978 Cecafa Cup in Malawi, but was dropped for the 1979 Cecafa Cup in Kenya as a troublesome knee injury affected his consistency on the pitch.

At club level, Peter Mazinga emerged as the undisputed new king of the right-wing, and Sentamu’s absence had little impact on the club. His contribution diminished in spite of KCC winning the Uganda Cup in 1980 and 1982 and the league championship in 1983.

That season, he appeared in only three games. By 1985, all indications were that Sentamu was about to retire. He played only six games and helped the club win the 1985 league title.

On November 23, 1985, Express defeated KCC in the Uganda Cup final. This was Sentamu’s last game for KCC and his farewell to the game he loved.

We pray for a better recovery!

bzziwa@observer.ug