FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers
7/10/2022: Rwanda Amavubi Stars Vs Uganda Cranes – Nyamirambo Stadium, Kigali
10/10/2021: Uganda Cranes Vs Rwanda Amavubi Stars – St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Football Club defender Najib Fesali is an unfamiliar face in the current Uganda Cranes squad preparing for Rwanda Amavubi Stars.
It is the first time many football followers are witnessing him and hearing of his name thus one of the most asked question at the team training is ‘Who is that brown tall guy’?
It is no surprise that many have seen and heard of him for the first time because the central defender has never featured in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League which is followed and watched by many.
Born and Raised in Jinja to Mr Abdul Fesali and Swalha Muhammad, the young Najib started chasing his dream while in primary five at Main Street Primary in Jinja then joined Jinja SS, St Jude FC (3rd Division) Eastern Region, Kyaggwe Sazza team, Gaddafi FC (loan) and currently stationed at URA Football Club.
Narrating on how he learnt of his summoning to the National team, Najib said that he was at training in Gayaza with URA FC and the Coach read out the names of those summoned with his name inclusive.
‘When we completed our training, the coach invited us for the routine team talk . He told us that seven of our team players had been summoned for the national team and he started reading out the names. Never did I pay much attention because it couldn’t cross my mind that my name would be read. The coach read the names and mine was the last. To everyone’s surprise, my name was read out last. Not only me was in shock until the coach had to read the list again.’ notes Najib.
‘I grew some goose bumps for some seconds like any human who learns on anything strange. But after a while my mind told me that it was my time.’ the calm defender adds.
Najib remarks that he knew that one time of his career he would be part of the National team because it is a dream for every footballer to wear the national colours and represent his nation.
‘Being summoned to the national team is a dream come true though it calls for working harder to be consistent and attest that you are part of the team on merit and also not to disappoint the coach who trusted you.’ Najib asserts.
Talking about his first time with the team, the easy-going tall defender confessed that it was a bit challenging because of the new environment nonetheless football.
‘It was challenging when I reported for training for the first time, though I met some players I had played with before but I had never met many other players thus I had to adopt to the new environment and learn how to live with the new people including the technical team and officials.’ disclosed the tall brown defender.
Najib believes that his time is now since the coach considered and summoned him for the squad to prepare against the crucial double encounter against Rwanda. He is also confident that he can compete with the experienced players for a position in the team.
‘We have to utilize this transition so that we seal positions at the National team. Making it to the squad means I am prepared to compete for a slot even if it calls starting a game, I feel ready.’ he vows.
While starting his career, Najib well-regarded retired Uganda Cranes Assistant captain Hassan Wasswa because of his fighting spirit and versatility at the pitch.
When asked about his future, he said that he is eyeing playing in the top five leagues in the world with five years to come.
He mentioned Andy Mwesigwa, Late Mathew Lukya, Abel Kikomeko, Charles Ayiekho, Coach Boban and Zungu as some people who have played a role in his careers.
Brief Profile
Name: Najib Fesali
Place of Birth: Jinja
Parents: Abdul Fesali & Swalha Muhammad
Current Club: URA FC
Strong Foot: Right
Role Model: Hassan Wasswa
