Uganda Cranes attacking sensation Steven Sserwadda at last made his debut at New York Red Bulls as they beat New York City FC 3-0 in the US Open quarterfinals.
The big stepping stone in the country’s biggest game and derby had the former KCCA FC come on as a late substitute.
In the 84th minute, the 19 year old replaced Brazilian, Lucas Lima Linhares ‘Luquinhas’ who had scored the second goal in the game, dubbed the River Hudson derby.
Despite a late cameo, Sserwadda impressed and was instrumental in the side’s third goal, scored by 23 year old Omir Fernandez in the 90th minute. Lewis Morgan had earlier netted the first.
Shortly after the game, the youngster was immediately taken through an initiation ritual by his excited new teammates, demanding a toast to his debut.
“First of all, thank you to everyone, it has not been easy, been a hard game (but we won), thanks to everyone (again),” the visibly joy-filled midfielder said.
In featuring for the senior Red Bulls side, he joins the likes of former Cranes skipper and legend, Ibrahim Ssekagya and striker Brian Umony among others.
Sserwadda joined the American giants less than a week ago from their feeder side New York Red Bulls II on a short term contract. It’s likely he will join permanently should he continue to impress.
Putting on a good show has been his middle name since his early career days with Lugogo based side, KCCA FC at both local and continental stages not forgetting national team junior sides and the Cranes.
