16-year-old Patricia Nayiga, received no support from her mother, although her father understood where her love for football came from.
“My parents, especially my mum, never wanted me to play football,” recalls Nayiga, the talented Wakiso Hills WFC midfielder.
“She would punish me whenever the teachers reported that I was playing football with the boys at school.
Even my elder sister sided with my mum, insisting I shouldn’t play. Whenever I was punished, I would run to my dad because he used to play football himself. He understood the pain I felt when I was beaten for loving football
Early Challenges and Parental Support
During her early days in primary school, Nayiga faced constant punishments from her mother for playing football. Despite this, she was determined to pursue her dream, thanks to the unwavering support of her father.
“My dad continued to support me,” Nayiga shares. “He would even buy balls for me and my friends to play with after school in the evenings.”
Over time, her persistence paid off. Her mother eventually accepted her passion for football and is now her biggest fan.
“Finally, my mum understood that football is what I truly wanted. Now she’s the one buying me playing boots. Sometimes she even asks, ‘Are the boots you have enough, or should I buy you more?’” Nayiga reveals.
Childhood Love for Football
Although Nayiga participated in other games during her primary school years, her heart was always with football. She recalls sneaking away to play with the boys whenever game time came around.
“When I was in primary school, we had different games to play, but I would hide when it was time for them. I would wait for the boys to head out to play football, then join them from my hiding spot. My passion was only for football.”
Educational Journey
Nayiga Patricia has attended three schools throughout her education. She began her elementary education at Sendrax Primary School in Kagoma in 2012. She completed her primary education at Pearl Primary School in 2017. Currently, she awaits her UCE certificate after completing her Senior Four studies at Wakiso Hills Secondary School in 2024.
Football Inspiration
Nayiga’s love for football began in 2013, inspired by a neighbor, Ashiraf, whose impressive football skills left a lasting impression on her. She credits him for sparking her admiration for the game and fueling her dream to play.
“I admired him from the moment he started playing football. I would think to myself, ‘I want to play like him,’ because he played for Sparta,” Patricia recalls.
“He had impressive skills with the ball, and I was always in awe, telling myself that one day I would master those skills too. This was back in 2013, when I was in Primary One.”
That same year, Nayiga began playing football barefoot with her friends at home. In 2017, she joined Highness Soccer Academy, a village-based academy in Kanyange. The academy’s coach at the time, Mawejje, welcomed her to the team.
In 2019, during her Primary Seven vacation, Wakiso Hills Secondary School recruited her with the assistance of coach Kasajjage Umar. He convinced Nayiga’s parents to allow her to join the school on a bursary scheme for Senior One.
The agreement between Wakiso Hills Secondary School and Nayiga’s parents is set to expire in 2024. It will be up to her parents and Nayiga to decide whether to renew the arrangement or explore new opportunities.
Profile
Name: Nayiga Patricia
Nickname: Digital
Date of Birth:27th January 2008
Place of birth: Mulago hospital – Kampala
Mother’s name: Rosemary Katutu
Father’s name :Sseguya Ronald
Position: Midfielder
Strong foot: Right
Weight: 45kg
Height :
Shirt no: #08
Current club: Wakiso Hill WFC
Role Model: Lauren James and Nabbumba Phiona
Best players played with : Phiona Nabulime , Hadija Nandago, Nyinagahirwa Shakira.
Credited people: C. Kamya Swaleh ,Mr Shaka Wilber, My Dad and Mom
, C. Mawejje.
Achievements : Promoted my team (Wakiso Hills WFC ) from Elite league to Super League.
Worst moments: playing matches without scoring goals , Being chopped off on the National team.
Ambitious: Progressing to Professional football levels outside the country. leaving my team in Super League , Being one of the best midfielders around.
