Last evening, Uganda Cranes attained a much-needed win against Botswana in the World Cup Qualifiers, thanks to Mohammed Shaban’s goal in the 75th minute. Several players, including Ronald Ssekiganda, put up a very good display, but the player many are tipping to have been man of the match is debutant Elio Capradossi.
Veteran sports journalist Mark Ssali said, “Elio Capradossi: Not since Ibrahim Sekagya has a Ugandan defender looked this assured in possession, sharp in anticipation, and quick in decision. A great find, a class act.”
Indeed, we can all agree that the defender led the Cranes’ backline with command as he was strong, athletic, and calm in possession.
Who is Elio Capradossi?
Elio Capradossi was born on March 11, 1996, in Kampala, Uganda, to an Italian father, Corrado Capradossi, and a mother from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Before deciding to represent Uganda a few months ago, he was eligible to play for three countries: Italy, Uganda, and DR Congo.
Standing at 1.85m tall, Capradossi, a product of the AS Roma academy, is currently employed by Serie C side Lecco, a club he joined in February this year.
The defender started his football career in 2010 in the Roma academy and managed to go through the ranks until he made his senior team debut in 2015. However, he managed only two appearances before he was loaned out to Italian sides Bari first, then Spezia.
Spezia decided to secure him permanently in 2019 after he made 20 appearances and scored three goals. The permanent move saw him make 33 more appearances and score two goals before being loaned to SPAL for the 2021—2022 season.
Another Italian side, Cagliari, signed him at the end of 2022. This was his home until early this year when he signed for Lecco.
On the international level, Capradossi was a regular figure for all Italy’s youth teams from U16 to U21. He was named one of the best players in the U17 Euros. However, he once suffered a terrible injury as he ruptured his left ACL on international duty with the Italy U20s. It was during this spell that he was constantly sent out on loan by his club.
But after his display last evening, many think that the defender is going to be a great asset for Uganda for years to come.
