Nsumba’s journey from the streets to international football

Venacious Nsumba, a former Uganda Hippos (U-20) goalkeeper in 2022, recently signed a one-year contract with Malawi's top-tier Chitipa United Football Club.

However, his rise to professional football is a rags-to-riches story, as he was born into a difficult and adversity-filled environment.

Nsumba commenced his football career at Peace for Children Sports Academy in Kisenyi. Then, he moved to Mydel Youth Academy and All Winners FC Academy in Lubaga and played high school football with Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga.

He has been part and parcel of Wakiso Giants football club development. He held trials at French Ligue 2 side Hyeres Football Club and Pretoria Callies Football Club in South Africa. Until his departure to Malawi, he was a member of the Kajjansi United Football Club in the Buganda regional league.

He grew up on the streets of Kampala, surviving in some of the city’s toughest areas, including Kisenyi, Kivulu, Kakajjo Zone, Owino Market, and Nakasero Market. Tragedy struck early in his life after he lost his father at the tender age of three.

For a brief period, he lived with his mother, but fate dealt another cruel blow when she developed a severe mental illness and began roaming the streets, naked and helpless. Heartbroken and with nowhere else to turn, young Nsumba fled his village and found himself living on the streets of Kampala. Life on the streets was brutal. Nsumba spent two years scavenging for scrap bottles and metals to earn a little money for food. 

On many days, he survived on leftovers from garbage bins in places like Owino Market, Shoprite, Nakasero Market, and Kikuubo. But even in those darkest moments, hope was not lost. His turning point came when he was rescued by Retrak Uganda, a non-governmental organization located near Lubiri. This marked the beginning of a new chapter. 

From there, several organizations stepped in to support and nurture him, including Peace for Children Africa (PCA), MYDEL Youth Academy, and Craft Aid UK — a UK-based charity led by Lara Bishop. These organizations not only provided him with shelter and education but also helped uncover and develop his incredible talent in football.

 With their support, Nsumba returned to school under sponsorship from Craft Aid UK, and his goalkeeping skills became a beacon of opportunity. He earned a scholarship by representing his school as a goalkeeper and quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his determination and natural talent. His football journey has taken him far beyond Kampala.

Nsumba was invited for trials by Hyeres FC, a French Ligue 2 team, and also received an invitation for a football assessment with Pretoria Callies FC in South Africa. His skills earned him a place on Uganda’s national U-20 team for two major tournaments: the CECAFA U-20 Championship in 2022 and the AFCON U-20 tournament in 2023. 

In recognition of his growing talent, Nsumba signed a one-year contract with Chitipa United FC, a top-tier team in the Malawian Premier League. Nsumba’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how hard life begins, resilience, talent, and support can change the course of a life. His journey from the streets of Kampala to international football is a testament to the power of never giving up.

Before signing, for a fortnight, Nsumba was training with the club also christened as “The Lions of Fort Hill,” who host their home matches at the 20,000-seater Karonga Stadium in Northern Malawi.

Earlier, he had had trials in South Africa with Pretoria Callies Football Club, who spotted him at South Africa’s best Kasi football tournament known as “Philly’s Games.

Until his departure to Malawi, he was a member of the Kajjansi United Football Club in the Buganda regional league.

Nsumba was in the stands as he watched Chitipa United fall away to MAFCO 1-0.

He made his long-awaited debut last Saturday when Chitipa United hosted Silver Strikers in a match that ended in a 2-2 draw.

Nsumba is represented by the Malawi-based TS Sports Agency.