Ugandan defender Mustafa Kizza has described sharing the pitch with former Tottenham and Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama at Montreal Impact as one of the highlights of his career.
Wanyama announced his retirement from professional and international football earlier this week at the age of 34.
Kizza and Wanyama both joined Montreal Impact in 2020, though Kizza spent only one year at the club while Wanyama remained for four.
Reflecting on their time together, Kizza while speaking to the media, he said: “My best moment of playing with Wanyama is when I gave him an assist, I think we were playing against Toronto, that’s one of my best memories.”
“He’s been like a big brother, helping me even before I joined Montreal, pushing me to train harder and guiding me whenever needed.”
While Wanyama has retired, Kizza is now continuing his career in Kenya with Nairobi United FC, having joined in the January transfer window from NEC FC in the Uganda Premier League.
Kizza’s career has taken several turns since his stint in MLS. After Montreal, he moved to Portuguese side Arouca, which didn’t meet his expectations, before returning to Uganda with KCCA FC.
Subsequent spells included Express FC, Telecom in Egypt, and NEC FC, which eventually led to his current opportunity at Nairobi United.
“I feel happy as long as I can help the team because they signed me knowing what I can do.”
“I thank God for helping me contribute, and I am positive we can still do better,” Kizza said.
He has started well at Nairobi United, scoring two memorable goals in recent matches: one from his own half against Shabana and a free-kick against Kakamega Homeboyz.
Kizza also cherishes the guidance he received from football legends, having been coached by Thierry Henry at Montreal, an experience he regards highly.
From his early days at Ugandan clubs NEC FC, KCCA FC, and Express FC to professional stints abroad, Kizza appears to be finding the right environment to continue developing, with his time alongside Wanyama remaining a source of inspiration.
