Ugandan goalkeeper Jamal Salim Magoola is slowly but steadily bringing his old self back at a South African outfit, Richards Bay FC.
The goalkeeper has been making all the necessary noise and has been impressive in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), keeping three clean sheets in four games for his new club.
The quick turnaround has sprung talks of a comeback to the Uganda Cranes and the custodian is keen.
“Sure, I look forward to a return to the national team,” confessed Jamal Salim to Nnalubaale Sports.
“I’m a Ugandan and I have to represent my country. When there is a chance to represent the nation, I’ll be available,” he reiterated.
The talented but also experienced goal-minder was last summoned in March 2021 for Uganda’s failed Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.
Then, he was at Al-Hilal, but after the expiry of his contract, he struggled to find a suitable club despite a mammoth of interests.
In need of a platform, he signed for Pretoria Callies FC, a South African second division side for a season and his performances secured him a better contract in the same country.
“Several clubs in Uganda wanted me but, I believed in my talent and wanted to pull myself for bigger challenges and club,” said the custodian.
Moving to a new country to push a career is always a challenge for most sportsmen and women, but it didn’t take too long for Jamal to acclimatize to the surroundings.
“Adaptation wasn’t hard for me, Dennis (Onyango) is around with his friends, and, several other Ugandans helped me adapt quickly.”
After Onyango’s retirement, Jamal was tipped as his immediate successor, but things have not worked quite as expected since.
The former’s void is yet to fully be filled with head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic still juggling among Ismail Watenga, Alionzi Nafian Legason, and Charles Lukwago, though the latter has so far had the most appearances.
