There are many great center backs that have graced the game of football since inception.
Whereas others choose to be rock solid and play the rough way, some choose to go at it smart and these are very few.
Former England and Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinard would be the best explanation of a center back that used the brain than being brawn.
With women’s football in Uganda just at its infancy, there are several players that have showcased great talent and promise.
Besides the popular names of Sandra Nabweteme and Hasifa Nassuna, there are several unsung heroes that haven’t hit the limelight but continued to show consistency.
Key among them is defender Yudaya Nakayenze; a versatile player and adept at being both offensive and defensive. Nakayenze has been one of the key pillars at women’s football giants Kawempe Muslim Secondary School.
Her ability to read the game and distribute the ball with ease has added a great piece to the Kawempe Muslim’s puzzle which has dominated the Fufa Women’s Elite League.
Who is Yudaya Nakayenze?
Yudaya Nakayenze was born on June 26, 1997 at Mbale main Hospital in Mbale District to Jowali Magombe and Jamira Nansaga Magombe.
She attained her elementary education at Yezu Primary School in Mbale where she completed her Primary Leaving Examination (PLE).
From here she joined Mbale Secondary School where she studied up to Senior three before Kawempe Muslim SS spotted her because of her talent.
She sat completed her senior four and six (Advanced Level education) at Kawempe Muslim.
Currently in she is in her first year pursing a bachelor’s degree in Secretarial information and office management at Kampala University.
Picking interest in Football
Nakayenze started playing football at a tender age of 11 while a student in Primary five at Yezu Primary school in 2008.
She played for the school girls’ football team until when she completed her Primary level studies.
From here, she joined Christian Restoration Organisation (CRO) Academy where she earned a scholarship at Mbale SS up to form three.
In 2011, Nakayenze was influential as CRO went ahead to win the Christian games in Tanzania.
She also played in the Airtel raising stars that very year and was among the few players that were selected to have a camp in South Africa.
Joining Kawempe Muslim
After a successful performance for CRO in 2011, Kawempe Muslim spotted her and lured her to join the school from Senir three, second term up to form six.
At Kawempe Muslim she joined the school team winning several trophies including the East African games title in 2012 in Burundi.
She has also been a great pillar helping Kawempe win three consecutive league titles.
Last season (2016/17) she was the highest scoring defender finding the back of the net on five occasions.
Nakayenze(front row, extreme left) during the Cecafa tournament last year
National team
At her age, Nakayenze has already featured for the senior national team, the Crested Cranes.
She earned her debut last year in a buildup game against Kenya in Kisumu playing at the CECAFA tournament in Njeru.
Role Models
The soft spoken footballer looks up to Uganda Cranes defender Joseph Ochaya who plies his trade at Lusaka Dynamos in Zambia.
Internationally, she is inspired by Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos because of his ability to score.
Honours
Christiant Games Cup -2011
Ball games- 2011-2015
Fufa women elite league- 2015-2017
Most Valuable Player Airtel raising stars 2013