Vincent Sebanobe

The "Iron Man" of Bugolobi: Balancing Books, Boots, and a Legacy of Resilience

My Story: The Game That Built My Family

Introduction
In the 1980s, I was known as the "Iron Man" or the "Engine" of Coffee FC. I was an industrious midfielder, a player who thrived on the physical and tactical demands of a tough league. My journey began at Kampala High School, and I moved straight to Coffee FC in Bugolobi, where I spent my entire top-flight career. I also played for the Uganda Cranes, scoring my first goal for the team against Kenya. Although we lost that game, the goal came from an assist by the late Polly Ouma.

The Pause: Strategy Beyond the Pitch
One of the defining moments of my journey wasn't a goal or a tackle, but a decision to step away. During my prime, I took a deliberate pause in my football career to focus on my studies. My goal was clear: I wanted to earn a promotion at the Coffee Marketing Board (the institution that sponsored our club). In those days, we were semi-professionals; we had to ensure our livelihoods were secure because the income from the pitch was modest. That promotion secured my professional future, allowing me to serve the board with the same discipline I showed on the field.

A Father’s Hard Truth
As a father, I faced a difficult conflict. Because I knew firsthand that football in our era did not provide a "reasonable" income, I actively discouraged my children from following in my footsteps on the pitch. I wanted them to focus entirely on their books to ensure they had a stable life.

However, looking back, there is a beautiful irony in my story. While I feared the game wouldn't provide enough, it was actually my earnings and the opportunities granted to me through football that enabled me to pay school fees for all my children. Today, I stand as a proud father of graduates. Seeing them cross that stage is a victory greater than any trophy I could have lifted.

Reflections and the FFI
I am truly glad to see how much the game has changed. Today, young players can earn a professional living, and the income is much more reasonable. It is a transformation I prayed for during my playing days.

Now, I continue my service to the game as an Executive Member of the Former Footballers Initiative (FFI). My mission is to ensure that while the new generation enjoys the financial rewards of the modern game, the legends of my era are never forgotten. I want to help my colleagues reclaim their livelihoods and use my experience to teach the youth that talent is only half the battle, planning for the future is the other half.

Spotlight Quote:

"I once discouraged my children from the game because of the low pay."