As excitement builds ahead of the Busoga Masaza Cup 2025, Busoga Times’ Musa Kikuuno sat down with one of the region’s most promising and passionate young coaches, Coach Ozil , known off the pitch as Kitakule Isaac . In this one-on-one, he shares insights on his coaching journey, his current projects, and whether fans can expect his return to the Masaza Cup touchline this year.
Q: coach Ozil, welcome to Busoga Times. For starters, who is Coach Ozil?
Coach Ozil: Thank you so much. My real name is Kitakule Isaac, but most people in the football world know me as Coach Ozil. I am a certified CAF C license holder and currently preparing to pursue my CAF B license in the near future. Coaching is not just a job to me—it’s my passion and calling.
Q: Well, What are you currently working on, and how is work going?
Coach Ozil: I’ve been working with Jinja Comprehensive Secondary School for the past two years. I recently extended my contract by another year, running through to June 1, 2026. Work is progressing well—we’re now in serious preparations for the upcoming USSSA 2026 competitions. The players are motivated, and we’re aiming high.
Q: Coach, You featured in the last Masaza Cup edition with Butembe. Should fans expect to see you back this year?
Coach Ozil: That’s a tricky one—I honestly can’t give a direct answer right now. As of now, I’m not in discussions with any Masaza team. However, football is unpredictable. I always keep the door open for opportunities that align with my professional goals. So, like we say in football, “We never say never.” If the right team comes with a vision that matches mine, I will be open to listening.
Q: But Ozil, among all the known coaches in the Masaza Cup, how would you rank yourself?
Coach Ozil: I don’t believe in competing with fellow coaches. My principle is to focus on self-improvement and adding value to my journey. That said, if you look at my progress over the last 2–3 years, there are visible signs of growth, and many people have seen that. But I still have bigger goals I’m chasing.
Q: How do you find coaching in general?
Coach Ozil: I love coaching—it’s been nothing but a blessing for me and my family. It’s my passion, and so far, the experience has been very positive. I’ve enjoyed every moment on the touchline.
Q: You’re among the youngest coaches in Uganda. What motivated you to start coaching early?
Coach Ozil: Honestly, it was pure passion. I’ve always had a deep love for football and an urge to guide and develop talent from a young age. I knew I wanted to make a difference not just by playing but also from the technical bench. That’s what drove me to start early.
Q: In your opinion, which team is the best in the Masaza Cup? And would you coach it if offered the opportunity?
Coach Ozil: That’s a very dynamic question. In Masaza Cup, no team is permanently better than the other—it all depends on preparations, signings, and the vision of the club’s executive.
Look at the last two seasons: In 2023, Busiki FC made it to the final in their first-ever qualification and became champions. In 2024, Bukono FC surprised everyone by reaching the final on their first group-stage qualification and finished as runners-up.
So, I can’t point out a single “best” team. If given a chance to coach any team that has ambition and proper planning, I would definitely consider it.
Musa Kikuuno
Alright thanks for joining us Coach, as Busoga times, we do wish you all the best, as Busoga Masaza Cup 2025 edges closer, fans should keep an eye on Coach Ozil. Whether or not he appears on the touchline, his journey remains one of growth, inspiration, and passion for the game not only in the region but beyound.
