Dennis Magige, currently playing for Ulinzi Stars, recently revealed how he earned the nickname “President of 12 Nations.” This nickname originated during his school days, as he had a preference for the jersey number 12. People started calling him “Rais” or President of 12 Nations, and the name stuck. Magige shared the struggles he faced in the football industry and how he dropped out of school due to lack of fees. Despite this, his parents encouraged him to pursue football. He initially played for FC Shells, and the allowances he received were used to buy food for his family. However, the collapse of FC Shells negatively impacted some of his teammates, who got involved in drugs and beach activities.
Magige also spoke about how he was inspired by senior players at Bandari, such as Felly Mulumba and David Naftali. Their encouragement motivated him to work hard and believe in his potential. Eventually, he made it to the first team at Bandari. Choosing to join Ulinzi Stars when Bandari offered to loan him out was an easy decision for Magige, as he had a dream of playing for Ulinzi due to his past experiences at Warriors. Despite receiving offers from other clubs, including Sofapaka, Muhoroni, and FC Talanta, Magige was determined to play for Ulinzi Stars.
In conclusion, Magige urged young people to embrace football, as it not only pays well but also has the potential to open doors in life. He credits football for his success and expresses gratitude to God for the opportunities it has brought him.