Uganda Forever
Photo Credit: Steve Kingsman / Freestyle Photography / Ottawa Fury FC
When people around the world went to see Marvel’s Black Panther in theaters, the movie represented a huge departure from the typical superhero movies. It starred an African American in the leading role and rather than take place in a big American city, it was set in the fictional African country of Wakanda. For Ottawa Fury FC’s Azake Luboyera, the movie represents his native continent and a bright future for the black community around the world.
“I think Black Panther could spark collaboration among Africans and Black Americans and the African diaspora and bring significant, positive change to the world,” says Luboyera.
The 20-year-old forward was born and raised in Uganda, a landlocked country in East Africa. The wildlife in Uganda includes gorillas, chimpanzees, hippos, elephants, and much more. While moviegoers were astounded by the beauty of Wakanda, Uganda carries many of the same traits, including a massive, breathtaking waterfalls.
On the soccer side of things in Uganda, Luboyera believes there is a wealth of talent that goes undiscovered, largely due to a lack of scouting. He was able to make his break, largely thanks to the Qatar Aspire Football Dreams Academy. He says, “The program and its entire goals were amazing. It really developed my talent. A round of applause to the bosses, coaching staff, and its entire students around the globe!”
From Qatar, he joined the Fury FC Senior Academy before signing with the first team last summer. “Ottawa is so far the best city I have lived in,” shares Azake. “It has beautiful and friendly people and I love the safety of the country!”
Playing across the globe, his family back in Uganda still supports him when they can. They can’t watch the matches live because of the time difference, but they always catch up on the match replays. While his whole family is behind him, mom has a special place in his heart. Azake says, “My mother is the best thing that has ever happened to me, so I talk to her almost every day. She’s my best friend.”
His best friend was definitely proud watching her son represent the Ugandan U-20 national team. While he loved playing at that level, Luboyera has his sights set on the first team. “The feeling was amazing with the U20s and I have incredible memories,” he says. “Playing for the senior national team would be a dream come true.”
Despite developing his game in Qatar and playing professionally in Canada, the fact that his dream is still to represent his country’s senior national team shows that Azake Luboyera truly represents Uganda Forever.
