Ismail Watenga

Ismail Watenga (born 15 May 1995) is a Ugandan professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns and the Uganda national team

Early life and education Watenga was born in Nakaloke, Mbale to Muduwa Zaituni and Bwayo Daniel, he is the youngest of three brothers and two sisters. He began his education at Namunsi Primary School before joining Nakaloke Islamic SS for his first year of secondary school (S.1). He later transferred to Manafwa High School in Mbale and then to Busolwe SS. However, due to the school's lack of a UNEB center number, he moved to Tororo Progressive Academy (TOPA), where he completed his Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE). For his A-Level education, he attended St. Mary's secondary school, Kitende, where he completed his Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). He later enrolled at Kampala International University (KIU) but chose to leave early to focus on his football career.

Playing career Watenga began his football journey at the age of six with Kamu Kamu FC, later joining Jami FC in Kamonkoli. While attending Manafwa High School, he played for the school’s football team. In 2011, he started his senior club career with Vipers SC, where he played until 2018, winning the Uganda Super League titles in 2015 and 2018.

International career Watenga made his debut for the Uganda national team during the 2013 CECAFA Championship in Kenya. In January 2014, coach Milutin Sredojević, invited him to be included in the Uganda national football team for the 2014 African Nations Championship. The team placed third in the group stage of the competition after beating Burkina Faso, drawing with Zimbabwe, and losing to Morocco.

Philanthropy In 2024 Watenga established a foundation in Nakaloke dedicated to nurturing young, promising athletes. Through this initiative, he has provided football scholarships to children, giving them the opportunity to develop their talents and pursue their passion for the sport.

Career statistics