West Nile has over the years supplied both Uganda and neighboring South Sudanese clubs and the National Football Teams with an endless list of stars. We have witnessed players like Muhammad Shaban, Samson Caesar Okhuti and many more stars for Uganda while Toha Rashid, Geriga Atendele and the likes carry the flag for South Sudan.
Shockingly, we often ignore the sacrifices these players put in as they pursue success. Today, we are honored to have anexclusive one-on-one interview with SC Villa goalkeeper, Norman Angufindru who takes us through his journey from Anyafio Primary School to winning the 2023/24 StarTimes Uganda Premier League title with Ugandan Record Champions SC Villa in a twist of events after almost quitting the game a season prior.
"To be open, at the time SC Villa came knocking for my signature, I was on the verge of leaving football. This was due to many personal things going on in my life."
Who is Norman Angufindru?
My name is Norman Angufindru. I am a professional footballer (goalkeeper) for Sports Club Villa, commonly known as SC Villa. I was born and raised in Arua. A Lugbara by tribe from the Teregian dialect, Naranga Clan.
What has your football journey been like?
My football journey started way back when I was six years old. Though I didn't play much in my primary school days. I studied at Arua Hill Primary School, didn't play; Anyafio Primary School, played a few games; Montessori (which is a private primary school in Arua), and still not much;
In Secondary, I played for Otravu Senior Secondary School, mixed up with the Mvara Zonal league which was organised by the church, it played a great role in who I am today, and so many players who came from there. A-Level, I was at Kisubi High School Namulanda, where I played most time because offcourse I was on sports scholarship.
From the Mvara Zonal League, I also joined Mvara Boys FC where my career sparked. I also played for Ovujo United where I helped them to qualify to West Nile Regional League (Third Division) and I came back to Mvara Boys FC, also pushing them back into the Regional League; from there I joined IUIU where I played both the Regional and University League.
I happened to join Mvara Boys again in the Regional League then left for (Midigo) Calvary FC for two years (in the FUFA Big League) then later Onduparaka FC for one year (in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League) from where I signed for SC Villa.
I also at one point featured for Mawokota in the Masaza Cup.
What does your journey reflect to you? Have there been some upsets you overcame and how did they make you the Norman we know today?
My football journey is a mixed-up journey. Of course, it started with a whole having passion for the game. With time it became complicated with education, a little resistance from parents because of course because every parent never looked at football as a career by then because it was not much sold to them. But with time all was okay, balanced, and I did well with my education levels.
I had ups and downs, you know the problem with most teams here in Uganda. Most teams are struggling. If you put all your emphasis on soccer, you find yourself devastated because you will sign for a club when the club itself is struggling. Sometimes payments are delayed, sometimes they don't come. Sometimes you can't afford equipment, your maintenance becomes difficult but all in all, when you believe in what you are doing, be disciplined and hard working, connected with the right people whenever you get the chance, doing your best with whatever chance you get, you never know who is watching because in this career, you never know when your chance hits, and it's better it hits when you are ready.
What was your reaction when you were told the record champions (SC Villa) wanted your signature?
To be open, at the time SC Villa came knocking for my signature, I was on the verge of leaving football. This was due to many personal things going on in my life. The struggle was so much, particularly with the birth of my daughter; I was unable to balance playing football, which was not paying well by then, as things were not going well during that period.
SC Villa came as a savior. I was happy when they came knocking and took the chance. I trained with them and eventually signed for three years. That is why I am still with Sports Club Villa. I thank God for that moment. It was not an easy time, but I am glad they came for my signature and hopefully, we are yet to achieve more.
How has your Villa Park experience been like?
My experience in Villa has been a good one. Everything has been well, and we thank God that we started with the club on a strong note and on a good note, in that it was in my first season that we managed to be the champion of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. I think that set the pace.
Unfortunately, in between that season, I happened to get a serious injury which put me out for the rest of that season, up to even CECAFA and CAF Champions League games; I wasn’t able to play them. It kept dragging me up to the next season, which was with Coach Morley Byekwaso. I was on and off again.
Generally, it’s been good around here. I wouldn’t complain; the experience is good, the competition is there, within players, and the team, Sports Club Villa is a team that demands a lot from a player. They want to be champions always, and the fans demand a lot from us, so it’s good to be in this environment. It’s really good.
What do you have to say about the recent limited game time? What do you plan to do in order to get back as a regular starter?
About the current limited game time, that’s just a part of football, especially in the goalkeeper position. When someone starts ahead of you and is performing well, that is their opportunity. We continue to push each other to be the best we can be.
Having limited playing time happens in a player's life, and while you may feel bad about it at times, it all comes back to you. It has to motivate you to keep pushing, working hard, and staying ready. That way, when it is your time or you are given the chance, you can put in a performance that puts the coach at stress to decide who to play.
As for the solution to getting back to a starting position, it's about going back to the drawing board, working hard, and pushing myself. I need to ensure I am doing things right so that I am considered for a starting spot. I am not far from being there; in goalkeeping, it’s all about being ready for that moment when the coach gives you a game. From there, your performance determines what happens next. All in all, it is just a matter of time before I am back in that position.
What is your relationship like with other goalkeepers on the SC Villa team? Walk us through how you have worked around the competition.
The competition between me and the others (Braddy and Lukwago) is a healthy one. Both are good goalkeepers, and I am also a good one too. We all want to be the best and to help the team succeed. We push each other to improve every day and to stay ready for whenever the coach needs us. This kind of competition is beneficial for the club, as it ensures that whoever is in goal is at their best. We have a good relationship and respect each other's abilities. Ultimately, our goal is the same: to see SC Villa win and remain at the top.
Which moment could you best describe as your career highlight?
My best moment was when we became the champions of the Uganda Premier League in the 2023/2024 season. That was my first season with Sports Club Villa, and it was a great achievement for me. It's every player's dream to win a trophy, and I'm glad I was part of the team that won the league. That moment will always stay in my memory.
What advice do you have for a young kid who thinks top-flight football is far from their dream?
My advice to the young kids coming up is that top-flight football is not far from their dreams. They need to just keep in check, keep training, working hard, keep the passion on, keep faith, and play like any normal player. Be yourself whenever you are on the pitch. Also, they should get someone to keep pushing them, like a parent, like a brother, like a friend—someone open-hearted and honest. And they should trust in God. Trust in God in all whatever things you're going to do; all shall be fine. They will be there; they'll make it. The dream is there.
What does your daily routine look like?
My daily routine depends on the club's training program. Sometimes we have high-intensity training, so I don't do much before heading there. I usually wake up between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. Once awake, I do an indoor workout based on my target for the day, whether it's focused on my abs, glutes, or other areas. I use an app to help me stay active and decide what exercises to focus on in the morning. As I mentioned, my routine generally depends on the club's training program so that my personal workouts don't interfere with team training.
