Arafat Kiza Usama

Arafat Kiza Usama
Personal information
Date of birth (2004-06-27) 27 June 2004 (age 20)
Place of birth Kampala, Uganda
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 KCCA
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:54, 14 February 2021 (UTC)

Arafat Kiza Usama is a Ugandan professional football player.

Early life and youth career

Arafat Kiza Usama was born on June 27, 2004 at Mbale hospital to Mr  Khassim Kiiza and Ziada Mutesi. He is a brother to Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, Ismail Watenga.[1] Inspired by his football-endowed family and friends, Usama began his football journey at a young age, showing promise and talent that would later define his professional career. He initially played for Kajjansi United, a regional league side, where he honed his skills and developed his game.[1]

Club career

Usama's impressive performance in the Masaza Cup with Busiro County caught the attention of top clubs. In 2021, he made a significant move to KCCA FC, one of the top clubs in the Uganda Premier League (UPL). In the 2023/24 season, Usama emerged as one of the standout performers for KCCA FC, attracting interest from international clubs.[2] In 2024, Egyptian Premier League club ZED FC and Moroccan club Wydad AC expressed strong interest in signing Usama, highlighting his rising profile in African football.[3][4][5][6]

International career

Usama earned his first cap for the Uganda national team on October 13, 2023, in a match against Mali. Since then, he has made two international appearances, showcasing his skills on the national stage.[7]

Playing style

As a midfielder, Usama is known for his agility, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game. His contributions both in defense and attack make him a versatile player on the field.[8][9]

References

  1. ^ a b KIU. ".:: Exploring the Heights of the Beautiful Game; The incredible story of KIU soccer Star, Arafat Usama | Kampala International University, Uganda". www.kiu.ac.ug. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  2. ^ "Kiza Arafat USAMA - KCCA FC". 26 June 2004. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  3. ^ Admin (2024). "Egyptian Premier League club Express interest in KCCA's Arafat Usama".
  4. ^ Olubi (16 June 2024). "Ugandan International Usama Nears Switch to Egyptian Top-Tier Side ZED FC". thenerveafrica.com. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  5. ^ Bbosa, Denis (2024). "NextGen battle for gong, bright future".
  6. ^ Olubi (6 August 2024). "Usama Arafat Holds Trials with Moroccan Giants Wydad AC Ahead of Possible Move". thenerveafrica.com. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  7. ^ Sports, Pulse (14 October 2023). "Usama Arafat: Ismail Watenga salutes young brother on making Uganda Cranes debut". Pulse Sports Uganda. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  8. ^ Byemboijana, Muhamadi (2 May 2024). "Usama Arafat's Brace Leads KCCA FC to victory Over SC Villa at Namboole". SoftPower News. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  9. ^ Isabirye, David (1 August 2021). "Arafat Usama: KCCA officially unveils stylish playmaker". Kawowo Sports. Retrieved 20 November 2024.