The former KCCA FC, SC Villa, and Express FC creative gem is now part of Italian giants Juventus' football academy.
The saying 'we rise by lifting others' by Robert Ingersoll best explains Saddam Juma's latest achievement, crafted by former SC Villa head coach Petros Koukouras.
The former KCCA FC, SC Villa, and Express FC creative gem is now part of Italian giants Juventus' football academy.
The academy is based in Nanjing, China, all down to Koukouras, who recommended Saddam to the academy because of his love for nurturing kids.
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18:30 - 02.06.2023
FOOTBALL Saddam Juma reveals coaching mentor as he joins the Juventus football academy
Saddam, currently unattached, is pursuing a coaching career, having completed his CAF C coaching course and obtained a license in April; he credits former SC Villa head coach Petros Koukouras for inspiring him into the role.
"Yes, I am in China, I enrolled at the Juventus academy in Nanjing,” Saddam Juma told Pulse Sports before adding.
“I am here on a one-year employment contract on the recommendation of coach Petros Koukouras. To study and work with the academy youth players (U-6 to U-13).”
The 29-year-old, who last featured for SC Villa in the 2021/2022 season, adds that his involvement with young kids back in Uganda was key in getting the opportunity.
"Coach Koukouras recommended me to his brother, who is the technical director at the academy, because of my CV and background about nurturing kids; they felt I suited the role."
Saddam is now looking forward to the new season, which will include the annual Juventus Academy World Cup.
"I want to concentrate on my studies this side; it will be a while for me to return to Uganda because the new season is not far away, starting in August with the academy World Cup in Italy,” he added.
About the Juventus Academy
The Juventus Academy is a program run by Italian giants Juventus FC; the Turin-based side has several academies across the world that nurture talent, with all the academies usually gathering for the annual Juventus Academy World Cup.
Over 85 teams converge in Turin at the Juventus stadium to compete in different age categories; Claudio Marchisio is one of the products of the Juventus Academy.
As he is fondly known, 'Juma Nature' awaits his work and residence permit as he embarks on a great coaching career with the best clubs in Europe.
Petros Koukouras guided S.C Villa to a 12th-place finish in the 2021/2022 StarTimes Uganda Premier League campaign; he was later dismissed after the season.
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