Sofapaka FC first choice goalkeeper Mathias Kigonya has delivered a subtle message that he is relishing a call-up to the Ugandan national team, The Cranes, for the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup which kicks off in early December in Kenya.

The extrovert goalkeeper said he is as fit as a fiddle and is more than ready to be part of the players who will carry Uganda’s banner in the championships, adding that his ultimate dream is to venture into paid ranks in Europe.

“I would really be happy to be part of Uganda Cranes that will launch its CECAFA title defence in Kenya. Indeed hard work never stops paying and I hope one day to play in Europe. I’m focused and very positive mentally,” Kigonya was quoted by Ugandan portal Kawowo Sports.

Since landing at Sofapaka, Kigonya who has endeared himself to Kenyan football fans has been in an alluring form for Batoto Ba Mungu  and was instrumental in the team’s second place finish behind Gor Mahia in the just concluded 2017 SportPesa Premier League (SPL).

The agile glove-man says his dream is to make big strides in his career and ply his trade in Europe in the near future. To get there, he acknowledges that participating in the CECAFA tournament will be crucial.

Should he be drafted in Uganda Cranes squad, this will be the second international outing for Kigonya within a space of five months after he featured for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Allstars squad that toured Spain for two invitational fixtures.

Kigonya joined Sofapaka’s ranks in 2016 and was immediately handed the starting role and instantly earned himself plaudits from Head Coach Sam Ssimbwa and his deputy John Baraza for his eye-catching performances in the SPL.

Kigonya’s last paraded for The Uganda Cranes in the 2016 African Nations Championships (CHAN) finals held in Rwanda.

Another Sofapaka player eyeing  call up to the Cranes is free-scoring Umaru Kasumba who emerged one of the leading scorers in the SPL.