Tracy Jones Akiror no doubt ranks among the young, ardent and fast rising female footballers in the country at the moment.
At first discouraged by the mother (Robinah Nassali) to play the beautiful game in a desperate bid to save her then deteriorating educational career, the decision was revised when she landed a bursary courtesy of the talent.
Right from primary school (at Luzira Church of Uganda Primary school), Akiror played women football and was a darling across the divide at the school.
I remember very well in the year 2004 when I joined Luzira COU primary school, I used to admire the girls playing football.
When I started to play in 2006, I did not look back
Tracy Jones Akiror (left) blocks an attempts in a match
Born to James Olongaliya and Robinah Nassali on August 25, 1995 at Mulago hospital in Kampala, Akiror’s metroic rose up the ranks has witnessed her gel with the finest personalities in the land, attain fame and as well get the chance to study free of charge.
Mawejje Inspiration:
Comfortable as a blocking and attacking midfielder, Akiror has mastered the art of playing the long diagonal balls to teammates as inspired by her role model, Tonny Mawejje, a Uganda Cranes midfielder playing professional football in Iceland.
I love the way Tonny Mawejje plays and I was inspired to play just like him
Along the way, she has been motivated to invest countless hour in training in a bid to polish up several aspects of her game – ball control, dribbling, passing and dribbling.
She sings special praise to two gentlemen Michael Kalyesubula and Ayub Khalifah for the encouragement even when she felt the going was no more.
Sometimes you need a push factor in life and Mr. Kalyesubula and Khalifah gave me the go ahead.
Who knows, I could have easily given up along the way?
Now a two time FUFA Women Elite League winner and a diligent member on the senior Uganda women football team (Crested Cranes), Akiror reflects back to the journey moved as a steady-fast learning process.
I vividly recall my early days when I just watched girls play football. I love the running and passing of the ball.
I spoke to my innerself, I could also do it and perfect it better. I have no regrets I am a woman football
She started the journey playing with boys at Destiny Soccer Academy, found in Luzira, a Kampala suburb.
Over the years, she continued to play and her exceptional talent caught the eyes of power house – Kawempe Muslim and as we speak the rest is now rich history.
When Luzira Church of Uganda Primary School humiliated Biira Primary School 10-0, that was my happiest moment as a footballer.
Education wise, life has been a bed of roses for Akiror. She won a bursary at St. Marys S.S, Nsumba because of the football talent.
After O-level, she was recruited to study at St. Julian high school in Gayaza for another bursary at Advanced level.
She then joined UCU Lady Cardinals from where Kawempe Musim signed her at an undisclosed fee.
My debut at Kawempe Muslim was that 13-0 triumph against Kakira.
I went on to make 13 clean sheets in the whole season out of 16 games and besides, we were champions of the league for two successive season including the latest season – 2016. I love all my teammates.
They are all so hard working and we work as a team.
I have been particularly impressed by Sandra Nabweteeme (two time league top scorer) and Hasfa Nassuna (two time women league MVP).
They make women football look so simple
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National teams’ calling:
In 2013, she was part of the Uganda U-20 team that eliminated South Sudan 21-0 after a resounding 9-0 and 13-0 away and home result respectively.
Unfortunately, due to limited resources for the federation, the team did not progress any further.
Until recently on3rd July 2016, Akiror together with the rest of the other Crested Cranes players traveled to Kenya for that high profile international build up that they lost 4-0 at the Moi Sports Complex in Kisumu.
We learnt a lot of things from the Kenya trip and we look set to polish our game plan, tactics and mission
She looks forward for the first CECAFA women championship that Uganda will host come September 2016.
Profile:
Full names: Jones Tracy Akiror
Date of Birth: 25th August 1997
Place of birth: Mulago, Kampala
Playing positions: Defensive and attacking midfielder
Current team: Kawempe Muslim
Shirt Number: 12
Role Model: Tonny Mawejje
Education: Luzira Church of Uganda, Luzira (Primary), St Mary’s Nsumba (O-Level), St Jullian, Gayaza (A-Level), Kampala International University (University)
Youth Career:
2005-2007 Destiny Soccer Academy
2008-2009 Sms Academy
2010-2012 Saska Academy
Senior Career:
Years Team Apps (Goals)
2013-2014 UCU Lady Cardinals 15 (8)
2014- Kawempe Muslim 64 (2)
National Team:
2013 U-20 1 (0)
2016 Crested Cranes 1 (0)
Honours:
Winner (FUFA Women Elite League): 2014/2015,2015/2016
