Uganda Cranes' shot-stopper finds new home in Ethiopia

Goalkeeper Charles Lukwago | Photo Credit: KCCA FC

FOOTBALL Uganda Cranes' shot-stopper finds new home in Ethiopia

Shafic Kiyaga • 05:30 - 09.09.2023

Lukwago joins Hawassa on a free transfer after leaving another Ethiopian side St. George following the expiry of his two-year contract last season.

Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, Charles Lukwago, has completed a move to Ethiopia Premier League outfit, Hawassa City FC (also known as Hawassa Kenema).

Lukwago joins Hawassa on a free transfer after leaving another Ethiopian side St. George following the expiry of his two-year contract last season.

Lukwago's recent move comes after a successful two-season tenure with St. George, where he played a pivotal role in clinching consecutive league titles for the club.

During his time with St. George, Lukwago's goalkeeping prowess was on full display, earning him recognition as one of the league's top shot-stoppers.

Intriguingly, Lukwago attracted significant attention from various clubs over the past three months, including KCCA FC and Ethiopia’s Malekeya SC.

However, negotiations between the latter and the goalkeeper failed to materialize, leading to his decision to join Hawassa City.

The seasoned goalkeeper boasts a wealth of experience, having previously featured for notable clubs such as KCCA, Lweza FC, SC Victoria University, and Proline FC, among others.

Last season, Lukwago faced adversity in the form of injury, limiting his appearances to just 17 games. Nevertheless, he managed to secure four clean sheets during his sporadic outings.

Notably, Lukwago's debut season in Ethiopia was nothing short of spectacular, as he achieved the remarkable feat of 19 clean sheets in 27 games, eventually being voted the league's best goalkeeper.

Hawassa City FC, situated in the vibrant city of Hawassa, has a rich history dating back to the 1970s.

The club has previously clinched the Ethiopian Premier League title twice, in 2004 and 2007, and secured the Ethiopia Cup in 2005.

Lukwago now joins a contingent of Ugandan goalkeepers plying their trade in the Ethiopian Premier League, adding depth and competition to the league.

Players like Saidi Keni (Shashemene City), Robert Odongkara (Wolkite City), and Alionzi Nafian (Mekelakeya SC) have already made their mark in Ethiopian football.

The Ethiopian Premier League has become a prominent destination welcoming other Ugandan talents like Charles Musiige (Dire Dawa), Simon Peter Oketch (CBE), and Geoffrey Wasswa (Ethiopia Coffee).

The league's Ugandan roster is further set to expand with the expected confirmation of striker Derrick Kakooza joining Ethiopia Coffee.

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