PASSIONATE: Moses Bogere aka Brazilian lives for sports. Since childhood, he has followed sports, read sports and fantasised about it. The Radio Buddu sports editor shares his story.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am 30 years old with 10 years’ experience in sports journalism. Brazilian is my celebrity name. I am a down to earth man, God-fearing, I love associating with people and learning from others.
Who inspired you into loving sports?
Not because he was my namesake, but I used to follow commentaries of Ahmed Bogere Masembe of CBS FM. He was talented, his voice and the art of getting things right left me with a lot of imagination.
What struck you most about Masembe?
His commentary on a 2006 Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal which ended 2-0. You could hear the energy and passion in his voice and this made me believe I could also do it.
Besides following Masembe, were you doing any research on sports?
Even when I was in primary school, I used to live on the frontline of research. My books were always covered with newspaper images of football players, I would also buy sweets popularly known as ‘football’ and stick images of the players anywhere. This is how I learnt their names and the teams they played for.
What team did you support back then?
I was a fan of Liverpool FC and Express FC, locally, but Brazil to date is my divine team. That is why I also call myself Brazilian. I used to love Brazil because of their goal talisman Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, one of the true football legends.
What was your first day like in studio as a sports commentator?
I was nervous. When I entered the studio, it was air conditioned and I knew nothing. However, after going through some training with the help of programmes manager Herbert Kabanda, I made my debut with Farid Mpagi and Erias Haruna. The match we featured was Chelsea vs Tottenham.
You seem to be a darling to sports lovers in Masaka.
Being a sports editor motivates you to be calm, research and appeal in your delivery. In all the programmes; Agomunkuubo, and Tuula Tukenkuke at 4pm and 10pm Monday to Friday respectively, I make sure that my listener is well fed with well-packaged and analysed information.
Besides sports commentary, what else do you do?
I am the treasurer for Greater Masaka Sports Press Association (GMSPA), an affiliate of Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) which aims at overseeing and promoting regional sports, especially in Greater Masaka Region.
Where do you get vital sports information?
I am a regular reader. I read newspapers, magazines and historical books. I also follow works of senior sports writers and pundits such as Daily Monitor’s Mark Namanya, Ennyanda’s Fredrick Kiyingi Musisi and The Observer’s Hassan Badru Zziwa. Zziwa is a local sports encyclopaedia and I cherish his work.
What schools did you attend?
I attended Gayaza-Bridge Primary School and Kyabakuza Primary School, Blessed Sacrament Kimaanya and Masaka Secondary School. I studied Mass Communication at Kampala University.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I would love to expand my sports career. I have plans of investing in other businesses come next year as well as starting a family. For now, however, I am obsessed with work.
