Exclusive: “Sacrificing Everything -” What Kayondo is Doing Differently to Stay Afloat on European Soil

Since exiting six-time Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC for the foreign land in 2021, Uganda national senior team left-back Aziz Kayondo has been on the upward trajectory, growing from one baby steps to leaps, with massive dreams for the biggest of stages.

Yet, consistency and growth abroad for Ugandan players, has been a far from pleasing tale, as many return to the country after a season or two. The likes of Sadat Anaku, Enock Walusimbi, Allan Okello, Muhammad Shaban, Rogers Mugisha, and a host more, have all disappointed abroad.

Kayondo is determined to break the barrier, and fight off the reasons that force his compatriots out of the European football sphere. At only 22, Kayondo has progressed from the semi-professional Ugandan league to the lower leagues in America, Spain, Czech Republic, to Israel before hitting the latter's Premier League at Slovan Liberec. 

THE JOURNEY - NOT A BED OF ROSES 

The left-back discloses how he made it from a Ugandan impoverished village Kyazanga, to the Uganda Premier League at Vipers SC, before later joining MFK Vyskov in Czech Republic, to MLS Next Pro side Real Monarchs, before joining Leganes B in Spain, to Israel's Hapoel Tel Aviv to eventually land at Slovan Liberec.

“The journey isn't one I can call easy, as it has had serious mishaps, but it's one I'm entirely proud of. To come from Kyazanga to one of Czech Republic's biggest teams is a story that fuels me for bigger dreams,” Kayondo said in an interview with SportsBoom.com.

“Mine, like many in our country, is a story of tireless hard work, persistence, humility, belief, but most importantly, sacrifice. The things and people I've had to leave along the way in this journey are the reason I've managed to stay at a pro stint to this time. But still, for me this looks like it's only the start,” he added. 

WHAT KAYONDO IS DOING DIFFERENT FROM HIS UGANDAN COMPATRIOTS 

Why do others fail to get past their second seasons whenever they play abroad, regardless of the level of the leagues in which they feature? Kayondo highlights what he has done differently, as he embarks on a fourth year since exiting the Uganda league.

“First of all, as a player, I've readied myself for all the milestones I've managed to reach, and those I'm yet to achieve. At all times, a football player has to be ready for a chance, because the opportunities in this trade are minimal, so when one comes along, it has to find you ready. There's no waiting and excuses, as things here move and change fast.

“Nothing can beat sacrifice in football and this only comes if you have a target. Like I've told you already, I have sacrificed a lot for my career. I tell you what, the sacrifices I'm yet to make are even bigger, but my target is the very top. I love my country, but I can't be thinking about returning, when the goal is the English Premier League or a top five European league,” he added.

“My colleagues (players) need to avoid excuses, because no one will listen or care. When there's a chance to play, give it everything, as it may never return. Every game you get as a player is like making a deposit to the bank. Good agents too, love ready-made talent,” Kayondo advised. 

THE BIGGER DREAMS

“Look, there's no returning to the Ugandan league anytime soon,” Kayondo reiterated. “And, this is not because I hate my country, but the dreams I harbor are bigger. The intention is to set a good precedent that a Ugandan player can come from scratch and make it to the very top.

“What I have learnt is that when you're good and work hard, nothing can stop your journey to greatness. Nobody cares where you're from, but the delivery, effort and commitment. If it's not for the very top I'm not interested, that's how I operate,” he added.

“Given where I came from, I'm more than sure I will play in a top five European league. I'll play there and serve as the example for the generations coming up. This is the main goal; to inspire many, and turn my entire country's view of professional football.”

At Slovan Liberec in his first season, Kayondo has played 14 games and chipped in with a goal and an assist. He has also been one of Uganda Cranes’ best players in the concluded successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.