Legends: Goalkeeper Frank Kisitu Ssebaggala, the penalty saving specialist who diligently served the beautiful game

Generally speaking, different persons have unique special life skills that elevate them above the rest.

Such skills range from in-born talents as sports excellence, communication, leadership, empathy, emotional intelligence, teamwork, decision making, reading, writing to others.

Retired goalkeeper Frank Kisitu “Higuita” Ssebaggala, 57, had a unique skill of saving penalties.

For the record, Ssebaggala superbly saved as many penalties during the different competitions he engaged in, just like the legendary Jose Rene Higuita Zapata of Colombia his role model.

“It is a unique skill. As a goalkeeper, I excelled in saving penalties. I think it was a gift from God” he recounts vividly.

Most remarkably, Ssebaggala shone during the 1997 FUFA Mini-league tournament in Buikwe, saving three penalties as his team progressed.

Despite admitting his weakness on taming crosses, Ssebaggala hints on the magic upon which he used to save penalties.

“First of all, eye contact is key. I got this tip from James Katongole, formerly of Lufula and Nytil. Then, you need to build on your confidence and psychology to make bold decision” he remarks.

It is only the former Uganda Cranes defender Ibrahim Kirya who managed to score all the penalties against him (Ssebaggala).

Early years:

Ssebagala is the 6^th born child in the family of 9 to the late John Kiyimba Kisitu and Thereza Namazzi.

He was born on 2^nd April 1968 in Nyenga hospital in Buikwe district (formerly Mukono district)

He commenced his elementary education in 1975 at Nyenga boys primary school before proceeding to Nyenga Secondary School.

In 1986, he progressed to Iganga Technical Institute where he attained a certificate in plumbing.

Football Career:

Ssebaggala played football right from the primary school days at Nyenga boys primary school, at secondary level and at the Institute, specializing in the goalkeeping department.

He joined National Resistance Football Club in 1993 until 1997 before he was promoted to Simba Sports Club in 1998 (Uganda Premier League).

Ssebaggala also played for his Ffumbe clan guiding them to the finals in 2001 (lost to Ngo 1-2 during finale at Nakivubo stadium).

He officially hung up his gloves in 2002 and swiftly embarked on a coaching spree.

Coaching trend:

He coached Young Simba; witnessing their promotion from fourth to third regional league as they clinched the Luweero district league in 2009.

Ssebaggala also coached Luweero United in the 2016 season.

He then coached Buikwe Shooting Stars and was the talisman in their promotion from fifth to fourth division during the 2018-2019 season.

Of late, he handled Gadaffi Football Club and most recently Mbale Heroes in the first round of the 2024-2025 season before he left unceremoniously.

Ssebaggala is happily married to Resty Namagembe Ssebaggala and he is blessed with five children (three boys and two girls).

Joseph Lubwama, Richard Kisitu, Thomas More Kimuli, Joanitah Nabirumbi and Olga Nabakka are all his children.

Ironically, none of his children has followed the father’s lineage of football as all have different interests altogether.

To date, Ssebagala remains actively involved in coaching as he is equipped with the CAF “A” certification.

He stays in his country home found in Nyenga, Buikwe district.

Tit-Bits:

• Full names: Frank Kisitu Ssebaggala
• Nick-name: Higuita
• Date of Birth: 2^nd April 1968
• Place of Birth: Nyenga Hospital, Buikwe District
• Parents: Late John Kiyimba Kisitu & Thereza Namazzi

(6^th born out of 9 children)

• Married to: Resty Namagembe Ssebaggala
• Children: Joseph Lubwama, Richard Kisitu, Thomas More Kimuli, Joanitah Nabirumbi and Olga Nabakka
• Education: Nyenga Boys primary school (Primary), Nyenga Secondary School (Secondary), Iganga Technical Institute (Certificate in Plumbing, 1986), CAF “A” Certificate (Football education)
• Football Career: National Resistance Football Club, Simba Football Club
• Coaching Career: Young Simba, Luweero United, Buikwe Shooting Stars, Gadaffi Football Club (Head coach), Mbale Heroes (Goalkeeping coach)

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