His great goalkeeping instincts helped the U23 side reach the 1999 All Africa games semi finals in a talented squad that had players like Andrew Jjombwe(GK), Hussein Ssali, Robert Kabanda, Juuko Michael, Robert Sejjemba, Hassan Mubiru, Tabula Abubaker, Ibrahim Sekagya, Arthur Byansiima, Aggrey Bigala, Sebaringa Michael, Andrew Lule, Lawrence Musome, Willy Mukisa, Willy Kyambade, Andrew Mukasa, Phillip Ssozi among others.
A product of Lubiri S. S (now Uganda Martyrs High School, Lubaga), which were sports power houses at the time, the lanky shot stopper started his career at Nsambya Fc in 1991 as a third choice goalkeeper.
He then joined Express Fc but still struggled to get a place due to stiff competition at the Red Eagles with goalkeepers Abu Kigenyi, Richard Tushabe and Bonney Sekabembe(RIP).
The Express squad of the 90’s had great players like George Simwogerere, Fred Tamale, Kalungi Edward, Joseph Mutyaba, Andrew Arinaitwe, Robert Kizito, Abdul Nsubuga, Obwin Phillip, Kefa Kisala, Benson Maseruka, Richard Kirumira, Simon Kyobe, Friday Senyonjo, Davis Odowa(RIP), James Kirinya(RIP).
Sam Kawalya has coached Express fc, Kyebando fc, Mbarara City fc, Kitara fc, Citizen fc, Victors fc, KB Lions fc.
At the Cranes, he played for the national team between 1997-2000, a period of 10 years and was the first choice goalkeeper when Uganda won the 2000 CECAFA senior challenge cup which was hosted in Kampala.
Happy birthday Sam Kawalya, may you live longer till you see Zimbabwe hosting a football world cup.
Vuvuzela Mu Ntabwe(8:45-9am) in Morning Saga Akasambatuko
Vuvuzela Mu Ntabwe(12:50-1pm) in Midmorning Tukoone.
Vuvuzela Mu Ntabwe(4:50-5pm) in Evening Rush.
Square Pass Mu Ntabwe(10-12pm) on Saturday.
All on 100.2 Galaxy Fm Zzina!
