Future Ugandan king could be in goal against Chichester City
The successor to the thrown of a Ugandan kingdom could be playing a football match in Chichester this month.
Chichester City could face a rather special opposing player when SE Dons visit Oaklands Park in the FA Cup.
George Desmond Kamurasi, 36, is the captain and goalkeeper of SE Dons, who play in the ninth tier of English football.
According to reports in Uganda, he has been selected as the next omukama, or king, of the Tooro people. This follows the death of his 34-year-old cousin, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
The Times newspaper reports that Kamurasi, known as ‘Big G’, is reluctant to leave his life in south-east London and take up the royal role.
The Times also highlighted Kamurasi's difficult past, reporting that he spent time in prison after his mother died when he was 14.
"The captain of London’s SE Dons is the unlikely successor to the Tooro throne in Uganda,” the article reads.
"He is already a talisman for his Saturday League football club in southeast London, known for delivering fiery pre-match team talks as well as keeping goal.
"The royal succession committee selected Kamurasi last Friday, with 15 of the 18 members present voting for him, according to Ugandan media reports. A formal proclamation is expected after Oyo’s burial this weekend.”
Chichester City made it through in the FA Cup – and coach Darin Killpartrick called the competition ‘huge’.
City beat Broadfields United 4-1 thanks to goals from Lloyd Rowlatt, Harry Bridle, Brandon Chebby and Oliver Munt, and now face a trip to SE Dons in the second qualifying round on September 19.
The Southern Counties East League Premier side, who are famous worldwide thanks to their social media presence, will present another challenge and opportunity for Killpartrick’s side.
If Kamurasi takes his place between the posts, Chichester fans could find themselves watching a potential future king of Uganda in action.