One of ex-Kaizer Chiefs star David Obua's former teammates has revealed that the Ugandan was viewed by his colleagues as a "king", and how his expulsion from a certain camp proved costly for his country.
In July 2005, Obua completed a move to South Africa from his native country Uganda, joining Amakhosi from Express FC. He would spend three years at Naturena before completing a move to Scottish side Heart of Midlothian.
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Obua was a particularly important figure for his national team, but things would change dramatically change in October 2011, when his was expelled from Uganda's training camp ahead of an important 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya.
Ultimately, the Cranes would end up drawing against Kenya, which one former national team star feels was due to Obua's abrupt dismissal from the camp.
Ex-Uganda winger Vincent Kayizzi told YouTube channel Sports Fan TV: "We had a good team but we had those star players like David Obua, Ibrahim Sekagya and Denis Onyango whose arrival could bring confidence in camp. At times, we were shaky until their arrival.
"Chasing Obua in the camp against Kenya affected, us but we gave our very best to try and win the game.
"I remember on the eve of the game, we were given a programme that President Museveni was to meet us in camp by noon but came late at 3pm.
"As you know, they're rules that govern football, however special you are, even if you're President Museveni or the USA president, you don't have authority to change to the scheduled time of a particular game.
"So, David got tired and decided to go to his room and have a rest as we waited for the President, who came late.
"Personally, I think even though President Museveni is special, but football has its own rules such and since many of our leaders don't know such rules, this has horrendously affected our football.
"President Museveni made a huge mistake of coming late, and that's how David was expelled from the camp.
"Coach Bobby [Williamson] did a great job by fixing the issue and, personally, I learnt of David's expulsion during the team's meeting on matchday.
"We didn't remain the same in the camp since David was our 'King' and it affected the team, but we put up our level best on the pitch to try and win the game.
"Team captain Ibrahim Sekagya tried to request the federation to let David play but they had made their decision. It was the FUFA President who sacked David Obua in camp."
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Obua would later vow to never play for Uganda again while FIFA president Lawrence Mulindwa was still in the role.
By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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