| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | (2004-06-27) 27 June 2004 (age 20) | ||
| Place of birth | Kampala, Uganda | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
| Current team | KCCA | ||
| ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:54, 14 February 2021 (UTC) | |||
Arafat Kiza Usama is a Ugandan professional football player.
Early life and youth career
Arafat Kiza Usama was born on June 27, 2004 at Mbale hospital to Mr Khassim Kiiza and Ziada Mutesi. He is a brother to Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, Ismail Watenga. Inspired by his football-endowed family and friends, Usama began his football journey at a young age, showing promise and talent that would later define his professional career. He initially played for Kajjansi United, a regional league side, where he honed his skills and developed his game.
Club career
Usama's impressive performance in the Masaza Cup with Busiro County caught the attention of top clubs. In 2021, he made a significant move to KCCA FC, one of the top clubs in the Uganda Premier League (UPL). In the 2023/24 season, Usama emerged as one of the standout performers for KCCA FC, attracting interest from international clubs. In 2024, Egyptian Premier League club ZED FC and Moroccan club Wydad AC expressed strong interest in signing Usama, highlighting his rising profile in African football.
International career
Usama earned his first cap for the Uganda national team on October 13, 2023, in a match against Mali. Since then, he has made two international appearances, showcasing his skills on the national stage.
Playing style
As a midfielder, Usama is known for his agility, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game. His contributions both in defense and attack make him a versatile player on the field.
References
- ^ KIU. ".:: Exploring the Heights of the Beautiful Game; The incredible story of KIU soccer Star, Arafat Usama | Kampala International University, Uganda". www.kiu.ac.ug. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- "Kiza Arafat USAMA - KCCA FC". 26 June 2004. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- Admin (2024). "Egyptian Premier League club Express interest in KCCA's Arafat Usama".
- Olubi (16 June 2024). "Ugandan International Usama Nears Switch to Egyptian Top-Tier Side ZED FC". thenerveafrica.com. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- Bbosa, Denis (2024). "NextGen battle for gong, bright future".
- Olubi (6 August 2024). "Usama Arafat Holds Trials with Moroccan Giants Wydad AC Ahead of Possible Move". thenerveafrica.com. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- Sports, Pulse (14 October 2023). "Usama Arafat: Ismail Watenga salutes young brother on making Uganda Cranes debut". Pulse Sports Uganda. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- Byemboijana, Muhamadi (2 May 2024). "Usama Arafat's Brace Leads KCCA FC to victory Over SC Villa at Namboole". SoftPower News. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- Isabirye, David (1 August 2021). "Arafat Usama: KCCA officially unveils stylish playmaker". Kawowo Sports. Retrieved 20 November 2024.