In the heart of Uganda, nestled within the passionate football community of Masaka, stands a dream constructed not of steel or cement but of vision, sacrifice and unwavering belief.
El Cambio Academy, founded by Norwegian football visionary Thomas Thor, is more than just a football school; it’s a transformative movement with a bold and compelling mission: to change lives on and off the pitch.
El Cambio, meaning “The Change”, is precisely what Thor has dedicated himself to achieving, not only for the young boys and girls enrolled in the academy but for Uganda and East Africa at large.
With a laser focus on nurturing future African role models, Thor envisions his players as beacons of hope, capable of inspiring and uplifting entire communities.
The Academy’s impact is already resonating beyond the boundaries of Masaka. Through its regional team, Masaka Sunshine FC, El Cambio has played a crucial role in shaping the Uganda Boys U17 national team, affectionately known as the Cubs.
The team which secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco boasts several El Cambio stars who have become household names.
Among them is central defender Hamuza Ssengoba, right back Elvis Torach whose stunning goal has made the rounds on social media and attacking midfielder Isima Magala Mulala.
Then there’s the lethal striker James Bogere, who has already netted three goals in the U17 AFCON, including a decisive brace that helped Uganda clinch a spot at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Asked about his promising young stars, Thor couldn’t hide his pride. “Really, really good,” he said of the boys. “Same with Isima. We have built a really good team there.” But beneath the praise lies a meticulous long-term plan.
Thor’s vision stretches beyond the glory of youth tournaments. His goal is clear: Europe. But not just any European football, he’s aiming for the elite levels. Drawing on experience from his time at Ghana’s renowned `Right to Dream academy‘, Thor knows what it takes.
“I believe that this academy is most likely the best in Africa,” he reflected. “Right now, they have six or eight players in the Premier League. That’s the standard.”
His time at Right to Dream was not without turbulence; he was ultimately let go but it planted a seed.
“I got the whole philosophy,” he said. “And that’s when I decided I want to build a similar project,” El Cambio is his response, a project rooted in East Africa but with ambitions to reverberate globally.
Now, after eight and a half relentless years of building, mentoring and fighting for his vision, Thor is finally starting to see the pieces fall into place.
The likes of Bogere and Torach are approaching 18, the age at which FIFA allows international transfers.
“So we have to be patient with these players,” he noted. “But players like James and Torach, they’re turning 18 soon, in like eight, nine months. I’m pretty sure we have some players soon in Europe.”
And Thor’s ambitions don’t end at crossing continents. “They’re not just going to Europe,” he added. “They’re going to make an impact there. I know we can do that.”
El Cambio isn’t just producing footballers. It’s nurturing disciplined, community-conscious leaders and players who can inspire those who never made it to the academy by showing what is possible with the right guidance and opportunity. For Thor, that’s the true measure of success.
