The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) has joined the Ugandan football community in mourning the passing of former Uganda Cranes player Jimmy Muguwa.
The former Express FC captain and coach, 68, was announced dead on Thursday morning.
FUFA, in their condolence message, has described him as an icon who served the beautiful game unconditionally.
“FUFA has learnt with deep sorrow about the death of former Uganda Cranes player Jimmy Muguwa who passed away on Thursday 8th September 2022,” a statement said.
“Muguwa was one of the few remaining heroes from the Uganda Cranes Squad that played in the 1978 AFCON Final in Accra, Ghana.”
“We have lost an icon who served the beautiful game unconditionally,” it added.
“He was influential for the National Team and well known for his coaching abilities that made him become the first coach to guide Express FC to the CAF Champions League semifinals in 1995.”
“He was also a great player with Uganda Commercial Bank (UCB FC) and Express FC during his active days as a football player.”
“FUFA conveys its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and relatives, on the loss of a legend who served football wholeheartedly,” the statement continued.
Muguwa was born in 1954 and was quickly attracted to football, showing glimpses of his special qualities as early as six years, before going on to forge an iconic career in the game.
A journeyman of sorts as he played for several clubs, Muguwa had the best days of his career at Express FC, going on to captain the club between 1983 and 1984.
He also scored the third and final goal for the Red Eagles as they beat rivals KCCA for the 1985 Uganda Cup trophy.
After ending his career, Muguwa returned to Wankulukuku as a coach in 1995 and helped shape the club into a force both locally and on the continent.
After guiding the Express to the league and cup victories, he then helped guide them to the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League where they were eliminated by South African club Orlando Pirates.
He also helped instil a distinctive style of play for which the club became famous for. Meanwhile, Express in a deep condolence message said that Muguwa died a Red Eagle.
“He has died a red eagle. We seek a chance to apologize to all that he leaves behind,” the club expressed its deep sorrow.
“He served us (Express) more than any other club and we think sometimes servants are misunderstood and very many times hurt by whom that he served. We ask God to forgive Jacob his shortcomings and trespasses.”
