Charlotte Signs Ssejjemba
Ugandan National Team Player, 2006 USL-2 MVP Wearing Orange in '08
(Matthews, NC) - The Charlotte Eagles announced today the signing of former Richmond Kickers' star and 2006 USL-2 MVP Robert Ssejjemba at Eagles Headquarters in Matthews, NC.
Eagles Coach Mark Steffens welcomes Robert Ssejjemba to the 2008 squad.
The 27 year old forward from Kampala, Uganda scored 17 goals in 19 games in 2006, helping lead the Kickers to the 2006 USL-2 Championship over the Eagles in a 2-1 victory. It was a year that also drew attention from Major League Soccer as DC United signed Ssejjemba for the remainder of their 2006 season.
In 2007, Ssejjemba scored 6 goals in 16 games for the Kickers before having to return to Uganda for the rest of the 2007 season.
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. Robert 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) in 2004.
Robert's impact on the field continued in 2004 in the PDL for the Kalamazoo Kingdom where he led the team in goals (10), assists (6) and points (26). Ssejjemba's experience also includes several appearances for the Ugandan National Team.
Now in Charlotte, Ssejjemba will not only look to continue being an offensive threat on the field, but will also be doing plenty of work in the community. Robert will be working with Sports Outreach Institute, a partner with the Charlotte Eagles, to continue raising awareness and providing relief for the people of Northern Uganda.
This talent on the field and passion for making a difference in the community was something Tom Engstrom, Eagles GM spoke of today in an official statement. "Robert is a proven goal scorer in this league. We are also equally excited about what he brings to the team off the field with his desire to be involved in the community through coaching and his desire to fit into our international work."
The public could see Ssejjemba's debut in orange as soon as March 29th as the Eagles make their first pre-season appearance in the Manchester Cup at Winthrop University Soccer Complex in Rock Hill, SC. The Eagles will play UNC Wilmington at 10:45am followed by a second match against Furman University at 8:45pm.
The Eagles open up their 2008 USL-2 season on April 19th against Bermuda at UNC Charlotte's TransAmerica Field, before playing the remainder of their season at Charlotte Christian in South Charlotte. Season Tickets are on sale now at CharlotteEagles.com.
