Uganda’s star Kizza Mustafa hails Wanyama and Mariga’s inspirational roles after Nairobi charity match
By Luke Oluoch, June 29, 2026Ugandan international Mustafa Kizza has praised Kenyan football siblings McDonald Mariga and Victor Wanyama for their inspirational roles in transforming football across the East African region.
Speaking on Sunday, June 28, 2026, after successfully hosting the “Friends of Kizza vs. Friends of Wanyama and Mariga” charity match in Nairobi, the Nairobi United ace lauded the initiative as a great cause for football brotherhood and community impact.
Charity initiative
Kizza, a former teammate of Wanyama during his post-English Premier League stint with Montreal Impact, revealed that the charity match became a reality after he joined the FKF Premier League and finally locked in a date for the event. According to the organisers, all proceeds from the match were channeled toward a charitable cause in Nairobi.
“I want to thank Victor and Mariga for the initiative to hold the event. We came here for the cause of charity. We have been playing together for a long time with my big brothers, and it has been a great cause of brotherhood and giving back to the community,” the former Montreal Impact player said.
Wanyama and Mariga’s impact
He also lauded the massive impact Kenya’s most decorated football figures have had across the continent and beyond.
“They are role models to many, not just here but also in Uganda and across East Africa. For some of the Ugandan players, it was probably their first time rubbing shoulders with them, and it has been a happy experience for them to meet their idols,” Kizza added.
The FKF Premier League ace also stated that he is already looking forward to a return leg in Uganda, expressing hope that it will become a massive event backed by strong corporate sponsorship and long-term planning.
Kizza disclosed that the Kenyan duo generously footed virtually all the bills, including logistical arrangements for the Ugandan contingent. However, he noted that corporate backing would elevate the next edition and make it even more memorable.
“Everything was mostly on them, but we hope for something bigger next time. This was done on short notice, but we still managed to draw a good crowd. We thank God the fans turned up. We are planning for more, perhaps attracting a sponsor on board and having a bigger event in Uganda,” he stated after his team triumphed 2-1 against their Kenyan counterparts.
Looking ahead to the potential fixture in Kampala, Kizza hopes to field an even stronger squad.
“For the second leg, we have players like former national team captain Emmanuel Okwi, Allan Okello, and Steven Mukwala, who did not travel this time, but hopefully, we can have them on board for the return match back home,” he concluded.