Fred Kisitu Kajoba (1969 – May 13, 2024) was a Ugandan football player and coach, known for his contributions to Ugandan football both on and off the field. He died at the age of 54 in Tanzania due to heart failure.[1][2][3][4]
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 5 May 1969 | |||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Uganda | |||||||||||||
| Date of death | May 13, 2024 (aged 55) | |||||||||||||
| Place of death | Tanzania | |||||||||||||
| Managerial career | ||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | |||||||||||||
| 2009–2024 | Uganda (Goalkeeping Coach) | |||||||||||||
| 2023–2024 | Ihefu SC | |||||||||||||
| 2019-2020 | Soltilo Bright Stars FC | |||||||||||||
| 2009–2011 | Simba FC | |||||||||||||
| 1997-2009 | Simba FC (Assistant Coach) | |||||||||||||
Medal record
| ||||||||||||||
Early life and career
editFred Kajoba began his football career in 1986 with Pepsi FC, a then second-tier team in Uganda. His talent as a goalkeeper was soon recognized, and he gained prominence during the 1987 Bika Bya Baganda tournament, playing for the Fumbe clan. In 1988, he was signed by Coffee FC for a then-record fee of Shs 1 million.[5]
Playing career
editKajoba’s career at Coffee FC saw him rise from fourth-choice goalkeeper to team captain by 1990. He was instrumental in Coffee FC’s near-success in the Ugandan league and Uganda Cup during the early 1990s. Kajoba made his debut for the Uganda national team, the Cranes, in 1991 and was part of the squad that won the Cecafa Cup in 1992.[6]
In the mid-1990s, Kajoba transitioned to playing as a striker due to a shortage of forwards at Coffee FC. He later played in Oman for Majjees FC before returning to Uganda to join Simba FC, where he continued to play both as a goalkeeper and a striker.[7]
Coaching career
editAfter retiring as a player, Kajoba pursued a coaching career, obtaining a UEFA B license in England. He returned to Uganda and joined Simba FC’s technical bench, eventually becoming the head coach. Kajoba also served as the goalkeeping coach for the Uganda Cranes, contributing to their qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017 and 2019.[8][9]
Kajoba’s coaching career included stints with Vipers SC, Solitilo Bright Stars, and Tanzania’s Ihefu FC.[10][11][12][13] He was known for mentoring several top Ugandan goalkeepers, including Denis Onyango, Robert Odongkara, and Jamal Salim Magoola.[14][1]
Personal life
editOutside of football, Kajoba was a successful farmer and a devout Catholic, earning the nickname “Maama Maria.” He was well-regarded for his friendly demeanor and dedication to his work.[1]
Death
editKajoba died on May 13, 2024, in Tanzania. He was buried on May 19, 2024, at his country home in Malangala sub-county, Uganda.[15][16][17][18][19]
References
edit- ^ a b c Zziwa, Hassan Badru (2024-05-22). "Fred Kajoba, the player, coach many admired". The Observer - Uganda. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ "About Us – Soltilo Bright Stars". Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ "Fred Kajoba - Stats and titles won". footballdatabase.eu. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ Admin (2024-05-13). "Fred Kajoba Passes Away". Live from ground. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ Zziwa, Hassan Badru (2024-08-15). "Remembering Fred Mugisha; master of defence and attack". The Observer - Uganda. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ "Football fraternity mourns Fred Kajoba's death". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ Allen, Natasha (2024-05-20). "Former Uganda Cranes Goalkeeper and Coach Fred Kajoba Laid to Rest". NBS Sport. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ "Former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, coach Kajoba dead". Monitor. 2024-05-13. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ "Coach Fred Kajoba". ChimpReports. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ Sports, Pulse (2023-10-16). "Kajoba joins Basena in Tanzania". Pulse Sports Uganda. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ "Fred kajoba". ChimpReports. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ "Former Uganda Cranes Goalkeeping Coach Fred Kajoba's body arrives today, to be buried on Sunday - Matooke Republic". 2024-05-15. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ Najib, Mulema (2017-09-15). "AUPL: Bright Stars Head coach Fred Kajoba handed 4 match touchline ban over misconduct". Watchdog Uganda. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ Kiyonga, Ismael (2024-05-14). "Fred Kisitu Kajoba: A tribute to my 'Number One'". Kawowo Sports. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ URN (2024-05-17). "Football community pays tribute to goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba". The Observer - Uganda. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ Kiyonga, Ismael (2024-05-13). "Fred Kajoba: Former Simba, Bright Stars and Vipers Coach dies aged 55". Uganda Premier League - Official Website. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ "Former Cranes goalkeeping coach Kajoba is dead - 93.3 KFM". 2024-05-13. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ Reporter, Our (2024-05-14). "FUFA mourns sudden death of coach Fred Kajoba". Eagle Online. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ "Football fraternity mourn passing of Coach Kajoba". NTV Uganda. 2024-05-14. Retrieved 2024-11-05.