Jovan Magino is a rising figure in Ugandan football as he’s gaining recognition for his passion for the game and his commitment to nurturing talent, especially among girls.
At the age of 27, Jovan has already spent a decade coaching, but he acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges he faces as a little person is finding employment opportunities.
Born in Mbale, Jovan’s height, standing at four feet, made him a target for bullies during his school years, leading to moments of tears. Nevertheless, before he left school in Senior Five, he achieved the position of sports and games prefect at Oxford High School.
Jovan’s life took a turn when he caught the attention of Child Restoration Outreach (CRO), an organization dedicated to assisting street children and their families to become responsible citizens. Initially, CRO believed that a career in football might not be feasible for Jovan due to his stature, so they offered him the opportunity to learn welding instead.
While he joined welding classes, Jovan remained determined to pursue his coaching dreams and actively participated in the coaching staff of various local teams.
His breakthrough in football arrived in 2018 when he guided the Eastern region team to the semifinals of the Airtel Rising Stars tournament. Following this success, he joined the coaching staff of the Amus College girls’ football team, serving as an assistant coach.
Jovan’s dedication to empowering girls is deeply rooted in his upbringing, as he grew up with six sisters. His passion for helping girls achieve their dreams is evident in his work.
Currently, he also serves as the fitness trainer for Bugisu Province’s football team, which competes in the FUFA Drum.
“Some players who don’t know me may underestimate me, but when they get to know me, they appreciate what I do,” he explains.
Jovan is committed to pursuing additional coaching courses to expand his knowledge and make a positive impact on even more people’s lives.
