As of Monday evening, Soltilo Bright Stars forward Samuel Kayongo Ssekamatte bid farewell to the Uganda Premier League side following the expiry of his employment contract.
The club are understood to have seen their numerous efforts to have him recommit his future with a signature on an extension agonizingly go down to vanity since the player was hell-bent on the idea of exploration of new adventures around the league.
The incredible centre forward was impeccable for the Kavumba side in the just concluded season as he established himself as one of the very best strikers in the country.
His bromance with Joseph Akandwanaho not only subjected opposition teams to the slaughter house but also brought about rupture and awe amongst their fans and the league at large.
Following the revelation of his farewell message to his teammates, coaches, administrators and fans alike, Ssekamatte agreed to have a phone conversation with one of our correspondents. This is what he had to say:
“My contract expired and the attempt by the club to renew it went futile as an agreement on personal terms wasn’t reached. I would however like to thank the club for the opportunity given to me to represent them, I will always cherish it.”
Ssekamatte would further put out a very heartwarming farewell message for his now former bosses in appreciation of this rare opportunity offered to him. He narrates his journey to the stardom that the previous season brought him.
The former KCCA FC forward, who only joined the club a year ago, waxed lyrical about how amazing an atmosphere it is at the club under the management of Baker Mbowa, Simon Mugerwa and their engaging support staff.
It’s this ambiance he speaks about that helped create a platform for him to net 15 goals across all competition in the just concluded 2020/21 Uganda Premier League with the opportunity to score more had the season had been played to completion.
His farewell message also encompasses the various people that form the secretariat at the club like the CEO and Sporting Director Ian Mutenda whose role towards his development as a player isn’t taken for granted.
He would climax his farewell message with a special tribute to the fans whose presence has been hugely felt nevermind the fact that majority of these never got to make the matchday numbers as restrictions in respect to the Covid-19 pandemic were underway.
Ssekamatte joins his best friend and comrade Joseph Akandwanaho in taking the exit door, the latter departed the club the previous month to join the reigning league champions Express FC. The other name on this list of departures is goalkeeper Godwin Buule.
The fascinating target man leaves Soltilo Bright Stars with his head held high having been part of history. The club finished fifth in what remains to be their most successful season in the topflight league.
