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USL-1 Richmond Kickers

Ssejjemba Called Up For Uganda National Team World Cup Qualifier

May 26, 2005 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Richmond Kickers News Release


RICHMOND, VA – (Thursday, May 26, 2005) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce that rookie forward Robert Ssejjemba has been called up to represent his country for Uganda National Team World Cup Qualifying this June. "The Cranes" will face the Democratic Republic of Congo National Team in Kinshasa on June 5th and the Cape Verde National Team in Ssejjemba's home town of Kampala on June 18th. Both matches are part of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany Preliminary competitions of the Africa Zone.

The Uganda native played for the under-18 and under-20 Uganda National Teams before arriving in the United States to begin his collegiate career. The upcoming World Cup Qualifier will mark his first appearance with the senior squad.

"It's a great honor for a player, a lot of pride to wear the national team colors," comments Ssejjemba. "This is a great opportunity to continue to further my experience and gain confidence as a player. I'm looking forward to representing my country."

"This is a well-deserved honor," comments Richmond Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw. "Robert has been working hard in practice and has performed extremely well this season. I know if selected, Robert will make his country proud."

Ssejjemba made his professional debut with the Kickers on April 16th versus the Atlanta Silverbacks. He has since appeared in seven matches, starting three for 270 minutes and tallied his first professional goal on May 11th in the 3-1 win over the Virginia Beach Mariners.

A Virginia Intermont College (NAIA) soccer standout, Ssejjemba tallied 186 points over four seasons (75 goals, 36 assists) including 57 points (24 goals, 9 assists) his senior year. He was named to the First Team All-Appalachian Athletic Conference, First Team All-Region XII and was a two-time All-American. A two-year captain, Ssejjemba led the Appalachian Athletic Conference in goals (24), shots (79) and shots on goal (62) in 2004.

Ssejjemba is the fourth Kicker to be called up to his National Team within the past year, following in the footsteps of McColm Cephas (Liberian National Team, October 2004), Tim Brown (Senior New Zealand National Team, June 2005) and former Kickers midfielder Clyde Simms (U.S. Men's National Team, June 2005).

"Our club has aimed at providing a professional atmosphere and culture to assist in the development of our team and players," adds Richmond Kickers General Manager Paul Sterbenz. "These players, in their rookie seasons, have all been able to compete in high-level professional matches on a weekly basis, thus providing a platform for them to continue to develop and perform, and fortunately gain recognition on an international level. We are certainly proud."

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