Uganda Cranes’ first-choice goalkeeper and assistant captain, Ismail Watenga, is finally breaking through at Golden Arrows in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) after enduring a long spell on the sidelines.
For the better part of the season, Watenga had struggled to make it into the starting lineup, raising questions about his form and club status.
Golden Arrows played their first nine league matches of the 2024/25 campaign without the Ugandan shot-stopper featuring in any of them.
This left him in a peculiar situation where he was Uganda’s number one in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers but lacked game time at the club level.
A Promising Turnaround
That dry spell is now behind him, as Watenga has recently been given an opportunity to prove his worth.
On matchday 10, he made his first league appearance of the season in a goalless draw against Polokwane City.
The Ugandan displayed composure and resilience in goal, ensuring a clean sheet to help his team earn a valuable point.
Building on that performance, Watenga retained his place between the posts in matchday 11, where Golden Arrows faced AmaZulu.
Once again, he delivered a strong display and secured another clean sheet in a second consecutive goalless draw and was named man of the match.
His back-to-back performances have reignited hope for consistent playing time and a chance to cement his position as Golden Arrows’ first-choice goalkeeper.
Watenga’s resurgence comes as a boost for Uganda Cranes, especially as they prepare for the upcoming engagements.
Despite the challenges he faced earlier in the season, his recent performances suggest he is regaining confidence and match fitness at the right time.
Watenga is not the only Ugandan goalkeeper making waves in the PSL. His compatriot, Salim Jamal Magoola, also had a stellar weekend.
Playing for Richards Bay, Magoola kept a clean sheet in their goalless draw against Marumo Gallants, showing that Uganda boasts a strong pool of goalkeepers capable of competing at the highest level.
Meanwhile, legendary Ugandan goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who plies his trade for Mamelodi Sundowns, did not feature in league action over the weekend.
His team was instead focused on their CAF Champions League campaign, where they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Raja Casablanca in Morocco.
Watenga’s return to form is good news for Uganda Cranes, as he remains a crucial part of the team heading into the World Cup qualifiers.
Uganda’s success on the continental stage often relies heavily on defensive solidity, and Watenga’s ability to secure clean sheets will be critical.
His resurgence also underscores the importance of persistence and seizing opportunities when they arise.
As the PSL season continues, all eyes will be on Watenga to see if he can maintain his momentum and help Golden Arrows climb the league table.
For Uganda Cranes fans, his recent performances signal a goalkeeper ready to stand tall on both club and international fronts.
