Derek Moses Kitaka Luzinda born in United Kingdom to Ugandan parents, is anxious to represent his country of origin Uganda at any level.
Just like most of the football stars love and wish to represent their respective national teams, it’s not different for UK born and based teanager Derek Luzinda who is also working hard to represent his country in the future.
Luzinda currently un-attached after his contract with Reading FC expired, he is also eyeing playing in the top leagues in the world.
” In the next five years, I see my self, become a full time professional footballer in one of the biggest leagues in the world and to play for the Uganda Cranes and most importantly, be able to provide for my family.”
Luzinda grew up with his family; dad, mum and sister and his dad who is a former footballer inspired him to play the game since he was seven years and narrated how his family has been supportive to get where he is now.
” While growing up, Football has been my main passion and focus, but away from that I have also managed to achieve in education and managed to get a scholarship at QPR.
” Ever since I was young my dad has been my biggest inspiration to play football. While growing up, I used to watch him play football and he has always encouraged me to work hard and push to the highest level I can reach.” He told this site.
At his young age, he has had opportunities for trials at Totenham Hotspurs, Watford, before he signed a three year contract at Reading.
Luzinda’s preferred position is right back, but can as well be employed in the midfield. Some of his key abilities in his playing style include; accuracy in passing, accurate crossing and good on one against one (1v1) defending.
Luzinda born in UK to both Ugandan parents, has been to the country before and not only loves amd wishes to play for the Uganda Cranes but as well loved the country.
” When I was young I had the opportunities to go to Uganda but i loved everything about the country; the food, the people, the culture, and these are some of the reasons why I would love to represent the country in the future to play for the Cranes.” He stated
In his own words, Luzinga answered a question he has often come across of what his choice would be between Uganda and England.
“Growing up, I have often been asked this, but straight away my answer is always Uganda, because my whole family, my blood everything is Ugandan, and one of my biggest desires, is to see Uganda become one of the best African countries to play football and a player that inspires me is Bavis Mugabi because he is also a Ugandan player that plays in Europe, so it also inspires me to play for Uganda.”
The teenager is thankful to his family that he believes has done everything possible to get him where he is today.
” Am very greatful to God that I have a family that’s very supportive in my football career, they have been there, taking me to trainings, football matches travelling all across the country taking me whenever I need to go for football, they have supported me financially, mentally and am very greatful for this.”
He also pointed at Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, as one of those special players he looks on to in the journey of achieving his dream.
” My current role model in football is Eze, my reason for this is he has been released by many clubs in the past and he has made many set backs but he has worked so hard to achieve his dream and to play for his country and this inspires me to work hard no matter what I go through to play for my country.” He noted.
Luzinda as well, highlighted on the advantage of growing up and playing football in Europe that many players that grow up in Africa could miss.
” Growing up and playing football in the UK, has given me the opportunity to meet many football stars, an example is Sol Campbell my former coach at QPR and this gave me an opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the world.”
Speaking about his love for Ugandan football and the passionate fans, he had this to say;
” Growing up watching and supporting Uganda, has shown me that every player that goes to the pitch, has real passion for football and they all want to make the fans proud and I also love how supportive the fans are of the country and this is something I love about Ugandan football.”
Player profile
Full Names: Derek Moses Kitaka Luzinda
Age : 18
Date of Birth: January 25, 2005
Curent team: Un-attached
Parents: Moses and Regina Nalubega Luzinda
Strong foot: Right
Favourite position: Right back
Hobbies: Spending Time with family, Going to Church
Role model: Eberechi Eze
Favorite Dish: Matooke ,G-Nuts Gonja and Chapati
Dream: Playing for the Cranes & European top leagues
