Returning Mugume can’t wait to impress at Vipers

Ashraf ‘Fadiga’ Mugume believes he is ready for the new challenge this season at his parent club Vipers after ending his loan spell at Police FC.

The midfielder joined the Venoms main team in 2018 after completing secondary school and played just two games – against Mbarara City and Maroons – before spending the second half of the 2018/19 campaign on loan with the Cops.

A lack of playing time and high competition in the midfield with the likes of Moses Waiswa, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Brian Nkuubi, Duncan Sseninde, Ibrahim Tembo and Tadeo Lwanga among others prompted him to seek a temporary move away from Kitende to develop and progress as a young player.

However, Mugume believes the time he spent at Police and the regular playing time he got there have impacted his career positively.

“I feel am now a better player. The adventure at police was an educational experience for me in terms of getting used to league football as well as discovering and exercising my potential as a young player,” Mugume revealed during an interview with our website.

Ashraf Mugume, Vipers SC Midfielder

The soft-spoken player is one of the products of the Vipers academy, St Mary’s School – Kitende (SMASK) and has a unique style of play. He combines sublime passing with vision and also has an eye for goal. He is also a gem at set-pieces.

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His partnership with Hassan Kalega (now at URA FC) at Police FC formed one of the best midfield duos in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League last season.

Ashraf Mugume scored three goals and provided five assists and helped his then teammate Juma Balinya top the scorers charts in the 2018/19 campaign.

Embarking and focusing on the task that lies ahead, he has vowed to give the best for his team whenever called upon.

He said: “I have learnt a lot during my loan spell and I will keep working hard to fully maximize my potential. I believe it’s my time to shine.”

Upon his return, the former SMASK skipper picked an injury which kept him out for most of the pre-season.

But he has recovered in time and was named on the bench for Vipers league opener against Bright Stars, which the former comfortably won 3-1.