Police FC Midfielder Juma Balinya has poured out praises to Wakiso Giants proprietor Musa “Atagenda” Sebulime and Police FC Manager Abdallah Mubiru for the success he has attained this season.
Just days after the end of the Startimes Uganda Premier league, Balinya was handed his golden boot at the Uganda premier league secretariat at the Mandela National stadium.
An exerpt from Balinya’s long facebook post reads;
“If it wasn’t these two great men. I wouldn’t have done what I’ve done this season. I thank you coach coz I can’t forget everything at the beginning of the season. You told me alot. Thanks for encouraging and showing me that I can. (I) can’t say all but thank you.”
Then thank you Musa(Atagenda) coz I knw how much you believe
in my talent. Without you and coach. I wouldn’t have had a great season.”
At 19 goals scored Balinya eclipses the top scoring statistics of last season’s golden boot winner Daniel Serunkuma by 2 goals.
Balinya has been stellar in front of goal for Police FC and has been the spark that igbited police’s comeback after a timultous season to finish 11th overall in a season when they started slow.
Balinya played for Kayofa from about age eight until he moved to Hans in their
U12 team for one season.
After joining fabled development side KKL when coach Eddie Butindo spotted him
during one of the academy’s clinics at Old Kampala SS, he forged his reputation
as the team went on to excel in the Gothia and Tivoli competitions in Sweden
and Denmark, respectively.
In
2008, he joined Old Kampala SS for two years from Kawempe Public School before
St Mary’s SS Kitende lured him away during his final year of high school in
2010. He soon transitioned into the respected Vipers team (then Bunamwaya).
Frustrated with his career going nowhere, Balinya made what he now regrets as
the biggest mistake of his career when he run down his contract to join AS Port
in 2014.
Little wonder two years later, he had to start again at Lweza where he spent the 2016/17 season. The 2010 East Africa Secondary Schools MVP later joined Police when Lweza was relegated.
With 19 goals, moreover from a role where he is supposed to be creating goals, it was little surprise Police did not seek for replacements when Norman Ogik opted for Big League side Wakiso Giants.
Balinya has had heads turned all of a sudden to him in a season
where rookies have set the pace.
His glittering form also earned him a maiden call to the national team although
he did not make the final squad to Tanzania in the final game of the 2019 Africa
Cup of Nations qualifier.
Balinya is revered for his sharp movement, link-up play and desire for darting in behind defences make him a nightmare for defenders. This is what defined his career when he used to play with Erisa Sekisambu and Gift Ali in the notorious Old Kampala SS team of 2009.
What is clear is that Police will need to heavily persuade him to stay given
the long list of suitors waiting for his signature.
It is highly unlikely though as several teams have already made attempts with Wakiso Giants leading the way.
