Jackson Mayanja
Jackson Mayanja, popularly known as "Mia Mia," is a retired Ugandan footballer and coach. He is recognized for his remarkable playing career with the Uganda Cranes and his influential coaching stints with clubs in Uganda and Tanzania.
Early life and playing career
Jackson Mayanja was born on June 27, 1969. He was born to Francis Ssekimpi and Nakato Joyce, Jackson Mayanja and he attended Police Children School and later Kololo Secondary school where he began his football career and captained the school.In 1985, he tried for Police FC but was not successful. KCCA FC scouted him and he made his debut for them in 1987 against Nsambya FC and he scored eight goals in the season to guide Kampala [Capital City Authority FC|KCCA FC] - then KKC FC to lift the Uganda Cup. In 1989, he sustained a knee injury that kept him on the sidelines until February 1990. He scored five goals and helped the team lift the Uganda cup that season. Scoring 11 and 23 goals in 1991 and 1992 respectively, he was signed by the Egyptian outfit El-Masry for a transfer rumored to be $ 30,000. At El-Masry, he became a fan favorite nicknamed "Mia Mia" due to his perfection and commitment to the club on the pitch.
After he fell out with the Egyptian club, he returned to KCC FC on the technical bench since he was still under contract. He was signed by the Tunisian club Esperance in 1996 and later returned to KCC FC where he helped them win the league title.
Uganda Cranes career
Jackson Mayanja made his debut for the Uganda Cranes in 1988 during a friendly match against Zambia's KK XI, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Nakivubo Stadium. Later that year, he faced a pivotal moment when he missed a penalty in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Malawi, though Uganda won the match 1-0. However, the team lost the return leg 3-1 in Blantyre and was eliminated from the qualifiers.In 1990, Mayanja scored a crucial equalizer against Tanzania during the semifinals of the CECAFA Cup, a match that Uganda eventually won in a penalty shootout. The team went on to win the tournament, marking a significant highlight in his international career. He was also part of the squad that lifted the 1992 CECAFA Cup. Mayanja played a key role in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, scoring six goals, though Uganda did not qualify for the tournament. In 1997, he was part of the team that won the CECAFA title in Khartoum, Sudan.
He retired from international football in 1999 after captaining Uganda in a loss against Tunisia. During the match, he asked to be substituted in the second half, marking the end of his international career. After retiring from the national team, Mayanja moved to Oman for a semi-professional stint with Luwi FC, retiring completely in 2000.