Success goes to the determined, Jean Sseninde Namayega does not regret the decision of choosing football over anything else.
Sseninde’s CV boosts of a number of magnificent records that range from being the first Ugandan Women footballer to play in England to being appointed on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women Football Committee.
Born in Kasangati in the Central Region of Uganda to Kizza Sseninde and Rosemary Sseninde (State Minister for Primary Education), Jean Sseninde attended local elementary schools for her primary education before moving on to Gayaza High School and St Mary’s Kitende for her O’and A’ Levels respectively.
Before fully realizing her professional dreams, the stylish midfielder-cum defender guided St Mary’s Kitende to Wakiso District Women’s League triumph on two occasions.
Following her graduation from St Mary’s Kitende, Sseninde sought counseling from Majida Nantanda who was the head coach of the Uganda Women’s National Football team (Crested Cranes) by then.
Nantanda recommended that protégé should join a professional football club in England, through the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).
“When I got the opportunity to play outside of Uganda, I had to decide on leaving everything and go. The best decision I made and will never regret,” Disclosed Sseninde exclusively to ChimpReports.
Prior to joining London Phoenix Ladies FC, Sseninde played for the Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club for one season capping short following a spell at Queens Park Rangers Ladies Football Club where she served three seasons.
Sseninde is a member of ‘Common Goal’ owned by Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata, an organisation whose members pledge to give away at least one percent of their annual salary to charity.
“I have been involved in a lot of sacrifices, hard work, determination, luck and a lot more but I have learned a lot and became the best version of myself, however, I still have big dreams that I am working towards,” Sseninde revealed.
She founded the Jean Sseninde Foundation, which sponsors the annual Jean Sseninde Women Football Development Tournament, aimed at discovering and mentoring female soccer talent in Uganda.
The tournament has been a success attracting more than 150 girls from all over the country, giving a ray of hope to the upcoming female talents.
Sseninde attaches her successful story to determination and gives advise to the young generation on how to succeed in life.
“Nothing comes easy, it’s important to dream big, have confidence, have a strong team and never give up. Always yarn to push your limits and aim to be the best,” she noted.
Through the foundation, Sseninde strongly believes she’s in the right position to create an impact in the society.
“Ability to create an impact in society. I want to be someone who can create and leave a positive impact in other people’s lives.”
The foundation has produced more than 600 graduates in the last three years in non-formal skills training aimed at addressing the skills gap in the community and provide start-up knowledge for employment.
Notably, the scarlet was part of the team that finished fourth in the 2016 CECAFA Women Cup that was held at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru.
Her noble cause has not gone unnoticed as she was recently invited as a speaker at FIFA, the world’s football governing body, conference for equality and inclusion in Zurich, Switzerland, in March 2018.
She featured alongside legends such as retired Malian professional footballer Frederic Kanoute and former player-turned Club Eastern Chan assistant coach Yuen Ting.
Brief Biography
Full names: Jean Sseninde
Date of Birth: December 04th 1992 (27 Years)
Place of Birth: Kasangati (Wakiso District)
Maritual status: Single
Father’s name: Sseninde Kizza
Mother’s name: Sseninde Rose