Juma Ssemazzi was the driver tasked to drive Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana from the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole direct to the Entebbe International Airport according to Kawowo Sports.
It was not an easy job to execute from the on-start with Man United custodian mobbed by the excited crowd at the exit of the stadium.
The former Ajax and Inter Milan shot-stopper would take a breather when the Toyota Premio finally left Namboole and embarked on the trip to Entebbe.
Fans were not about to stop as Onana and Ssemazzi found yet another section waiting at the Airport as the latter narrates the story to Kawowo’s Photo Journalist Phillip Mugabi.
“This car was part of the Cameroon delegation and I was picked by FUFA to drive the leader of the Cameroon advance party Arnold Ebolo who arrived in the country on Saturday and I have been part of them since,” Ssemazzi said.
Given the fact that he was staying with the Cameroonian contingent in Uganda, veteran football administrator Yusuf ‘Chuni’ Kyeyune’s son knew that someone was leaving for the Airport immediately.
However he didn’t know that it was going to be Onana. His mind was convinced that it was Ebolo because he was the person that he picked him from the Airport on Saturday.
“I was aware since we left the hotel with everything packed with the program reading Namboole to the airport directly but thought it was all about dropping him (Ebolo) and I parked just opposite the team buses at the stadium.”
“As I was waiting for my boss (Ebolo), he called and asked me to drive the car towards the entrance and a barricade was removed to allow the car near the buses.”
“As I waited there, there came Ebolo with Onana. Ebolo told me to drop Onana off immediately at the airport. It was then that Onana asked me ‘bro, can we make it to the airport in 20 minutes?’ and I told him it was impossible but we made it in 35 minutes.” Ssemazzi narrated.
Onana was against time with his flight scheduled for 11pm although they didn’t converse as much the Liverpool and Villa fan ensured that the 28-year-old goal-minder made it there on time.
“He was due to fly with Brussels Airlines with the flight scheduled for 11pm and we didn’t speak so much but when we reached Kitooro he told me ‘Bro, you’re the best.”
“So many fans at the airport wanted to take pictures with him but he apologized that they let him go since he was late and promised he will be here next month,” Ssemazzi added.
Cameroon drew goalless with Zimbabwe and they are due to return to Uganda for their third AFCON qualifier against Kenya on Tuesday, October 15.
The love and affection shown by Man United fans for Onana will stick to his mind for while as he continues to scroll through those pictures and videos of beautiful scenes in Uganda.
