Spike Lee once said, “If you have a talented family, you should be shot if you don’t use them.” For shot stopper and skipper Ruth Aturo, hailing from a family that has deep footballing roots gave her a basis to carry on the legacy.
The goalkeeper who currently plies her trade with UCU Lady Cardinals FC and Crested Cranes now captain of the national team, has been the first choice since 2016.
Aturo’s moment came in the Crested Cranes first international friendly against Kenya Harambe starlets in July 2016 in Kisumu.
She had travelled as a second choice to Fatuma Matovu, but the later was given matching orders after fouling an opponent in her area and when Aturo was called in to wear the gloves, she has not looked back.
She has been a prominent figure in the Crested Cranes set up and in 2018, she won two awards as goalkeeper of the tournament awards both CECAFA and COSAFA where Uganda finished second and third respectively.
Born 25 years ago to Ben Ocharo and Grace Itwau of Atatai Village in Asuret Sub County in Soroti district, Aturo says goalkeeping is a family thing, starting from grandfather Nicodemus Angauu (RIP) who was a renown shot stopper in Soroti.
Aturo, who is currently in camp with the rest of the team, preparing for the Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Ethiopia on Wednesday at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende, had a one on one interview with FUFA media and below are the excerpts
Q-How do you feel having served on the national team for this time?
A-I feel good to serve as the national team first choice goal keeper for all the times I have been there.
Q-What does it mean to you wearing the national team colours and the arm band?
A-It means a lot to me and my family because being picked among the many Ugandans who play football to be the one to represent all those Ugandans and above all lead the chosen few like me as their captain, is not something easy rather it’s a blessing from God.
Q-When did you start playing football?
A-I started playing football in 2009. It all started as a leisure thing with my brothers (Egalu Stephen, Erangu John, Epwonu Samuel and sister Achibo Mary) but later got serious. I later on joined some outreach ministry called Divine Stars in Soroti and off I started the journey.
Q-How did you find yourself in the goalposts?
A-No, my position on the pitch as a goal keeper is not by accident but rather a family talent because my late grandfather (Nicodemus Angauu-RIP) was one of the best goalkeepers in Soroti.
Q-What do you talk about the game ahead against Ethiopia
A-The game ahead against Ethiopia will not be an easy game because both teams will need to qualify but we are more ready and have got the necessary guidance from our coaches.
Q- What should Ugandans expect of you and the team in this campaign?
A-Ugandans should have hope and trust in us that we can make it because we the players we are not only looking at qualifying to the next level but also reaching our maiden AWCON. We want to keep doing well.
Q-Where do you think the Ethiopians are weak and strong?
A-They are a good team but they are slow on defending counter attacks. They are very good in the first half but then slowdown in the second half. But they are very good and comfortable on the ball when you allow them.
Who is Aturo?
Name -Ruth Aturo
Date of birth – 19th/07/1995
Place of birth –Atatai, Soroti district
Parents- Ben Ocharo and Grace Itwau
Schools attended – Soroti SS, Kawempe Muslim SS and Uganda Christian University (UCU)
Role Models-Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns and David De Gea (Man United FC)
Best dish-Posho and beans, Chicken and Karo and Rice
Hobbies-Playing football and listening to music
