Benjamin Nyakoojo hopes to continue rising with his team Kitara after returning to action on Sunday following a frustrating four months on the sidelines.
The defender joined the Royals last August from URA football club and immediately moved into the first team where he also put up an impressive performance in the opening five matches of the StarTimes Uganda premier league.
He fractured his fibula in the left leg and subsequently underwent surgery last November. Because of this setback, the Tooro Province skipper went on to miss nineteen matches in total, 16 league and 3 Uganda cup matches.
The towering center back finally made his return to action in Kitara’s win over Vipers in the quarter finals of the Stanbic Uganda Cup, which saw the Royals advance to their first ever semi final in this competition.
Nyakoojo, who played the entire 120 minutes which included penalty shoot outs said: “It was a good feeling to play again.”
“ I was tense before the game because I was not sure I would do my best on the pitch especially if you consider the magnitude of the game and the expectations from the fans and my teammates. I wasn’t sure I could really handle but I want to thank my teammates for helping me throughout the game, they realized it was my first time to play again, they settled me in well, guided and encouraged me throughout the game which we eventually won.”
“It was the longest match I have played in a while but what made me happy was winning on my first day back. It’s a good feeling.”
Air force’, like he’s known among his mates has ambitions to get back up the football pyramid and said:
“I’ve been really impressed with how good things are at Kitara. The fans, the coaches and my teammates. I’m really happy here.”
Kitara head coach, Brian Ssenyondo is pleased to have Nyakoojo back available and said:
“ He’s been showing great signs in training and has been working hard.”
“His return is a huge boost and timely for us considering we’ve had to cope with the fact that a number of our defenders have been in and out with injuries and as we enter the final bend of the season it is a nice thing to have all your good players fit and healthy for selection.”
The Royals will wait for draws of the Uganda Cup to know who their semi final opponent for now focus shifts to the StarTimes Uganda premier league penultimate clash against Vipers who will be visiting Masindi stadium this Friday.