In front of Crowds Famously known to fans as Muyizzi Tasubwa (a hunter who never misses), Farouk Miya has his name written on the wall of fame for Uganda’s football GOATs (Greatest of all times). At 28, he is Uganda Cranes’ third all-time leading scorer with 24 goals, behind only Majid Musisi (35) and Emma Okwi (28). Despite playing for big clubs in Europe and representing the national team on big stages, Miya attributes part of his success to Airtel Masaza Cup.
Ugandans will forever remember him for the decisive strike against Comoros that ended the country’s 39 year wait for qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations. For Miya, that unforgettable moment was built on the confidence he developed while playing before packed crowds in the Airtel Masaza Cup with Mawokota FC in 2013.
Born in Kampala to Aisha Mutesi, a matron at Kyambogo University, and the late Yusuf Muhammad, Miya’s football journey began when his talent caught the attention of Dr Eddie Butindo, a lecturer at Kyambogo University and a friend to Miya’s mother.
While Butindo was coaching the Kyambogo girls’ football team, he invited Miya to train with them, just for fun. To his surprise, Miya blended well. He later introduced him to the Kampala Kids League while he was still a pupil at Gombe Primary School. Although his ability was evident from an early age, Miya admits football was never his biggest priority.“I always played football for fun, but people kept telling me I had talent. My father was a lecturer and always encouraged me to concentrate on my books rather than football,” he recalls.
Butindo took Miya to Gombe SS where he was denied a bursary. He later took him to Bulo Parents Secondary School in Butambala, where he put up an outstanding performance when his school drew against St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende in Buganda Schools Championship. This stellar performance earned him a slot at Kitende while in S.3. For Miya, joining Kitende meant competing alongside established school stars, including then captain Eddie Mubiru. However, his versatility quickly made him indispensable.“I could play as an attacking midfielder, winger, number ten, holding midfielder, even in defence. That flexibility helped me break into the first team” he says.
While at Kitende, his coach Edward Golola, who had been appointed head coach of Mawokota FC invited him to be part of the team. Initially reluctant because of his academic commitments, Miya eventually accepted the invitation out of respect for Golola and because Kitende director Dr Lawrence Mulindwa hailed from Mawokota.
However, Miya’s academic focus didn’t allow him to stay in the camp throughout the tournament. He would receive permission to leave school two days before matches, join the team for training, play the game and return immediately. Miya’s Mawokota FC reached Masaza Cup finals with Ssingo, where he struck a dramatic late freekick winner to hand Mawokota a historic 1-0 victory at Nakivubo Stadium before a packed crowd in presence of Kabaka Mutebi.
“That victory still feels fresh. Scoring the winning goal against Ssingo in the presence of the Kabaka was unforgettable. Getting the chance to shake his hand while receiving my medal remains one of the proudest moments in my career.” Says Miya.
After a successful season at Masaza, Miya returned to Kitende for studies, which he had already helped win back to back Copa Coca-Cola National Schools Championships in 2012 and 2013. His performance soon earned him a move to his school-affiliated Vipers Sports Club during his Senior Six vacation, where he played for one season and led them to an unbeaten league title, finished as the league’s Most Valuable Player after netting 11 goals and seven assists. This success secured him a slot at the national team, and a record US$400,000 transfer to Belgian giants Standard Liege.
For Miya, the biggest achievement from the Airtel Masaza Cup was not a medal or a trophy, but the confidence to deliver results before large crowds. “Playing before thousands of passionate fans in the Masaza Cup prepared me for the national team. The atmosphere is unique because supporters come in numbers, deeply loyal to their counties. That experience gave me confidence to deliver results in front of big crowds, something many who haven’t played in the tournament miss,” He says.
Miya believes that the same explains why some talented footballers excel at club level but struggle on the international stage.“Some players have the talent and quality, but find it difficult to handle the pressure that comes with playing for the national team. The Masaza Cup helped me overcome that fear,” He adds.
That confidence has followed him throughout a career that has taken him across Europe and Asia. After Standard Liege, Miya featured for Royal Excel Mouscron in Belgium, Sabail FK in Azerbaijan, FC Lviv in Ukraine, Konyaspor and Caykur Rizespor in Turkey, and now Ilioupoli FC in Greece.
Miya credits Airtel for creating platforms that transformed his career, from Airtel Rising Stars, where he represented the Buganda Region and St Mary’s Kitende, to the Airtel Masaza Cup where he scored eight goals and helped Mawokota lift their third title. Miya believes the tournament remains one of Uganda’s most important talent development pathways, and he wants to see it receive even greater exposure through broadcasts.
“The Masaza Cup continues to produce players for the Uganda Premier League and the national team. If matches are broadcast live, more fans will support the game, even more young players will be inspired to dream big.”
As he prepares for AFCON 2027, following his historic return to Vipers after 10 years, Miya believes the confidence he first developed in the Airtel Masaza Cup continues to shape his performances today. He urges young players to work hard, be disciplined and believe in themselves, which is the beginning of every successful football career.
