
Ugandan custodian laments missing out on award after joining AFC Leopards
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 27.06.25. | 19:30
Ssetuba was on course to claim the individual award, but the mid-season move limited his playing time
Ugandan goalkeeper James Ssetuba is a disappointed man after missing out on the Football Kenya Federation Premier League's 'Golden Glove' following his mid-season transfer to AFC Leopards.
Ssetuba was on course to win the award, but a move to the 12-time league winners, in February, derailed his ambitions.
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By the halfway mark, he had already registered six clean sheets, topping the charts.
However, the move to Leopards proved bittersweet.
The towering custodian found himself relegated to a backup role to first-choice Levis Opiyo, leading to a significant reduction in his playing time.
“I am human—I felt like I betrayed myself and hindered my own progress,” Ssetuba confessed in an interview.
“But the dream is still alive heading into the new season," he said.
Ironically, Homeboyz ended the season with 13 clean sheets across their goalkeeping department—enough to have secured Ssetuba the award had he stayed at the club where he started the campaign.
Instead, it was Kenya Police FC’s Job Ochieng who eventually bagged the honour after keeping 13 clean sheets—seven more than Ssetuba’s final tally.
Despite the missed target, Ssetuba does not regret leaving Homeboyz for the den.
“I do not regret signing for Leopards,.It is one of the biggest clubs in the country and I have always dreamt of playing here. Although I did not feature much, the platform it offers is unmatched, and I am more determined than ever,” he stated.
The shot stopper hopes to play more in the new campaign and help Ingwe reclaim their lost glory.
“With the season behind, I am fully focused on returning stronger, commanding a starting place, and going all out for the best goalkeeper award,” he declared.
Ssetuba’s ambitions could, however, face stiff competition, should Levis Opiyo renew his soon-to-expire contract with Leopards.















