The Lions League has witnessed thrilling moments, incredible plays, and unforgettable victories over its ten years of existence. In an exclusive series of interviews, we caught up with four past winners of the Lions League to gather their thoughts ahead of this season’s on the current season’s finale in Kigali. Here’s what these seasoned champions had to say:Interviewee 1: Derrick Aine (Abashweki) Distinguished Goalkeeper and Striker, 4-time Lions League champion (Season 4 with Kisyanga & Season 6, 9, & 11 with Abashweki), Season 14 MVP nominee
  1. Best moment of this #Road2Kigali season
    •  “The goal against Kabali”
  2. Any players from Nshera & TY that have impressed you, and why?
    •  “Chris (Nshera defender). He has been phenomenal all season, playing the basics of football.”
  3. Words of encouragement for both teams in the final?
    • “The joy that comes with winning the shield is what we all work for. It’s unmatched.”
  4. Did winning fulfill a lifelong dream? Any words to the commoners
    •  “Won it several times, so I am now used to it, i guess. Being a champion is nothing usual at Ntare league. You change, got to put in the work, and hope luck lies on your side.”
  5. Reflect on lifting the shield after winning the finals
    •  “The last time it happened, it was ‘We did it once again!'”
  6. Lessons from challenging moments that can be applied to future matches
    • “It will always be a combined team effort, not just having star players.”
  7. Words to the league fraternity towards the Kigali finale
    • “Let’s go set the pace for everyone else.”
  8. Who are you supporting?
    • “Can’t reveal”
Interviewee 2: Mukama Emmanuel (SC Kalele)Winner with Kabali (Season 7), Abashweki (Season 9), and SC Kalele (Defending champions)
  1. Best moment of this #Road2Kigali season
    •  “Sc Kalele 8-1 Ensayi”
  2. Any players from Nshera & TY that have impressed you, and why?
    • “Bigirwa Robert (Nshera Fc) – His cover of the whole backline and link up to forward position and Mumbere Amos (Ty Omujuma) – His last-minute goals off the bench helped Ty secure a spot in the finale.”
  3. Words of encouragement for both teams in the final?
    •  “I know both teams have prepared enough since it’s not their first time being in the finale but it’s a tricky one since it’s out of the country!”
  4. Did winning fulfill a lifelong dream? Any words to the commoners
    •  “A real dream come true winning the shield for my Parent club Kalele, but the previous wins with Kabali (season 7) were equally sweeter because it was my first season in the league, and also the Season 9 win with Abashweki was a special one because I played really well and also emerged MVP that season. So all wins weigh differently but equally special.”
  5. Reflect on lifting the shield after winning the finals
    •  “Emotionless, speechless! I don’t know how to describe the feeling because I sat in one place for almost the entire night not knowing what was really happening!”
  6. Lessons from challenging moments that can be applied to future matches
    • “It’s hard to win all games in a season, sometimes you will lose or draw in consecutive matches but that shouldn’t discourage you, instead go back to the drawing board and see how to rack up some more wins.”
  7. Words to the league fraternity towards the Kigali finale
    •  “Have fun, enjoy the special moment! It’s not a usual thing having an alumni league finale! But above all, enjoy within the country’s set limits.”
  8. Who are you supporting?
    •  “Nshera”
Interviewee 3: Wanyama Elijah Mangeni (Nshera)All-time Lions League top Goal scorer, 2-time champion with Nshera (Seasons 10 and 12)
  1. Best moment of this #Road2Kigali season
    • “Making 150 appearances – Vs Kasasi”
  2. Any players from Nshera & TY that have impressed you, and why?
    • “Olugai Wilson – Hugely underrated. Consistent throughout the seasons. Surprisingly a very good forward as well. And Kagwisagye Phillip – Humble but a tireless worker. Always goes unnoticed. He has the Nshera DNA in him.”
  3. Words of encouragement for both teams in the final?
    • “Don’t forget to have fun while at it”
  4. Did winning fulfill a lifelong dream? Any words to the commoners
    • “The first one was for the Nshera tribe; a huge relief. The second was for Kasirye Philbert, a tribute. We never thought we would get where we are so yes, dreams came true”
  5. Reflect on lifting the shield after winning the finals
    •  “Both occasions are unforgettable. Tribes-mates and friends of Nshera running all over in elation. Pure excitement and relief at the same time. At that point, no one is thinking… it’s just chaos”
  6. Lessons from challenging moments that can be applied to future matches
    •  “Always stick together no matter the challenges. Brotherhood over anything.”
  7. Words to the league fraternity towards the Kigali finale
    •  “Let them remember the verse in our school anthem – ‘I’ll sing your name wherever I’ll be, because of your mighty deeds.’ Let’s go sing the mighty school’s name in Kigali”
  8. Who are you supporting?
    •  “Nshera”
Interviewee 4: Kagezi Noel (TY Omujuma)Two-time MVP nominee, Champion with Kabali (Season 7) and Nshera (Season 12)
  1. Best moment of this #Road2Kigali season
    •  “Qualifying for the final play off spot on the last day of the season”
  2. Any players from Nshera & TY that have impressed you, and why?
    •  “Kagwisagye Phillip: The most underrated player in NLL. He has the agility, strength and work ethics to win TY the shield this season. Oshaba Marvin: The only super league material in our midst. He has all the talent to single-handedly determine a final.”
  3. Words of encouragement for both teams in the final?
    • “Let them climb those hills. Fitness and endurance will matter the most in Kigali.”
  4. Did winning fulfill a lifelong dream? Any words to the commoners
    • “Winning anything, however minor it might be, is quite exceptional and magnificent. I have won the shield more than once with different teams and all those moments were all remarkable and unforgettable. The word to the Commoners is; Empires rise and fall. Their time to sit on that throne will come. Let them keep ‘Climbing those hills.'”
  5. Reflect on lifting the shield after winning the finals
    • “Lifting the Trophy with Nshera in Mbarara was quite magical. Everything seemed to come to a halt and silence reigned in my head amidst all the crazy noises and chants from the fans and players. I was lost in bemusement and no words can truly explain what I felt that night. It was a moment of pure ecstasy.”
  6. Lessons from challenging moments that can be applied to future matches
    •  “The most heartbreaking moment was In last year’s finals in Jinja where TY Omujuma ‘bottled the Finale.’ The greatest lesson learnt was to Never Underestimate your Opponent. And In Kigali, all guns will be blazing from the TY Camp.”
  7. Words to the league fraternity towards the Kigali finale
    • “Let’s make Kigali Ask For Water.”
  8. Who are you supporting?
    •  “Omujuma”
As Nshera and TY Omujuma prepare to battle for the coveted shield in Kigali, the echoes of past triumphs and the lessons learned from challenging moments serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie within the league. Let the roar of the alumni echo through the hills of Kigali, marking yet another unforgettable chapter in the annals of this remarkable league. NLL Publicity Desk