Ugandan goalkeeper James Ssetuba will be out to wrestle the
first-choice slot from Levis Opiyo at FKF premier league side AFC Leopards,
after joining the club from Kakamega Homeboyz.
The Ugandan international was reportedly on the radar of
other KPL sides including record champions Gor Mahia but elected to pen a two-year deal with Ingwe.
Ssetuba will not
only strengthen the squad but also bring experienced pair hands, having
previously played in the KPL sides
Chemili Sugar and the defunct Wazito FC.
He has also featured
for the Ugandan Revenue Authority, Wakiso
Giants, Bishara United and Ihefu FC both
of the Tanzania premier league.
While Opiyo has always been the regular starter, he will
also have to outdo Humphrey Katasi and Abubakar Musha, in order to impress
goalkeeping coach Haggai Azande for the
nod.
The 28-year-old experienced keeper will coincidentally don
shirt number 28 having already started training with Ingwe at Jamhuri Grounds,
Nairobi on February 17, 2025, a day after being unveiled by secretary general
Gilbert Andugu.
“I am happy to have finally made this move. I feel good and
relieved to join such a big and historical team. It is a privilege to be here
because it is a dream for any player to get such an opportunity,” Ssetuba said.
He further expressed his excitement at playing in front of
the Ingwe faithful, promising to make them proud.
“I love the way they support the team. They travel around
with the team and it’s a big motivation for us to do better. My target is to be
a champion with the team and be the best goalkeeper in the league,” the lanky
shot-stopper said during his unveiling.
Meanwhile, Ingwe has also signed right fullback Fredrick
Alushula from FKF, Kenya Premier League
side Kariobangi Sharks on a 2-year contract.
Leopards having beefed up their squad will be seeking
their first KPL title since 1998.
The two new signings
will be hoping to make their debut when they face Sofapaka in the KPL tomorrow,
ahead of their weekend clash against Dero United in the FKF Mozart bet cup
knock clash.
