Not so many players are comfortable playing in different positions on pitch. Whereas majority specify on positions to play, for Uganda U20 Women’s National Team player Asia Nakibuuka, this does not matter given her versatility.
FUFA Communications Team had a question and answer session with the player to talk about how she manages to play comfortably in almost every department.
Question: First things first, how important is it to you to be part of the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team set up?
Answer: It helps me to improve on my performance because of the competition among many good defenders on the team. It has made me work harder so that I can become the best defender on the team.
Question: You almost play in every position on pitch. How do you manage to pull it off with relative ease?
Answer: Yes, of course, I play all positions because of my talent and experience in the game. I started playing many positions at a very early age. I like it a lot because I feel proud to always be able to replace or coverup positions that are affected by injured or missing players.
Questions: You recently played as a central midfielder for Crested Cranes (Senior Team). How was the experience of playing in that position and was it the first time for you?
Answer: Yes, it was my first time to play in central defence. I really gained a lot of experience right from COSAFA Championship and we managed to keep a clean sheet at home against Ethiopia in AWCON Qualifiers. It gave me confidence and I started believing in myself as a defender that I can play in that position perfectly.
Question: You started out as a forward, playing in the right wing, how easy or hard has been the transition for you to end up as a defender currently?
Answer: Very true, I started as a right winger, but when my coach (Ayub) realized that I can do some defensive work he decided to shift me to the right and left back positions. It wasn’t easy for me to adopt because by that time I felt so comfortable playing upfront. But with time, I started putting it in my mind and believed in it. It was indeed a blessing to adopt to that change because it is when I was summoned for national team duty and now it’s the position that I enjoy playing.
Question: Of all positions, where are you most comfortable playing?
Answer: Number five (central defence) it makes me feel comfortable when playing at the pitch. I always love to win the ball from opponents and it gives me time to concentrate on the flow of the game.
Question: How important will it be for you and the Country to qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup?
Answer: So great, a life time opportunity that everyone dreams about. Qualifying to World Cup means a lot to me. It may change my career and make my dreams come true. It is would be a life changing opportunity for me and my teammates that is why we work hard as a team, we put in a lot of effort to stop every opponent that comes our way. If we qualify, our country will benefit a lot, lifting the flag in a world tournament is classic and an inspiration for the coming generations.
