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Mutwalibi Mugolofa is unfazed about the big stage. The shotstopper received his maiden call-up to the Uganda Cranes, the senior men’s national team, on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.
Mugolofa, who was summoned ahead of AFCON 2025 qualifier games against South Africa and Congo together with clubmates Shafik Kwikiriza, Gavin Mugweri Kizito, and Saidi Mayanja, attributes everything to hard work and patience.
Uganda will take on South Africa at home (Mandela National Stadium) on November 15, 2024, before visiting Congo four days later.
I am happy about my maiden call-up to the Uganda Cranes. It is humbling that they have recognized my hard work and called me to the Uganda Cranes. I will keep working hard because there are no shortcuts to the top.
Mugolofa, who penned a three-year contract with KCCA FC until the end of the 2026–27 season, has started all of KCCA FC’s seven league games, keeping six clean sheets in seven games played.
The custodian has conceded one goal in seven games this season, and this was in the match against BUL FC away at Lugazi Stadium.
The clean sheets are down to team effort. If the defenders do not do their part then as a goalkeeper you can not do much. We defend and attack as a team. – Mutwalibi Mugolofa
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Put explained why he has summoned four goalkeepers this time, including Mutwalibi Mugolofa, who plies his trade at KCCA FC.
We are aware that CHAN is around the corner and we have games against Burundi next month. So I needed to have him (Mugolofa) around the setup and also get training sessions with the goalkeeping coach. He has been performing well in the league, and maybe next time we will summon another goalkeeper. – Paul Put, Uganda Cranes Head Coach.
Despite the National Team Call-Up, Mugolofa is focused on facing his boyhood club, Vipers SC. Mugolofa spent his early years in the Vipers Junior Team before he was promoted to the senior team. However, the goalkeeper later moved to Mbarara City FC, Jinja North FC, and later KCCA FC.
I grew up there and have a lot of memories there but I have since moved on. To be fair, I found my opportunity at KCCA FC and I was welcomed here. I patiently kept working and we can see a few things we have worked on with the goalkeeping department. I am fully focused on the game on Saturday and I want to give the best for my club KCCA FC. It would be great if we maintained the momentum we are currently having. I am not fazed by the big stage because every player wants to be part of such big games. What matters is being ready when the opportunity to play avails itself and giving your very best. – Mutwalibi Mugolofa.
Top of the table KCCA FC will visit third-placed Vipers SC at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday 9th November, 2024. A win will extend KCCA’s lead four points clear of joint second-placed NEC FC and Vipers SC.
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