Football has always had its kings. Pelé was once hailed as the "King of Football", while at Manchester United, Eric Cantona was famously known as "King Eric". For George Desmond Kamurasi, though, that title might have become literal. The goalkeeper for English ninth-tier club SE Dons was in line to become king in Uganda, but he chose not to accept it.
Kamurasi, 36, is the captain of the south-east London side and is widely recognised there by his nickname, "Big G". In recent days, however, he has been discussed for reasons far beyond the pitch: Kamurasi was the leading choice of the Royal Succession Committee to assume the role of "Omukama", the king of the Tooro people.
The previous king, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who was Kamurasi's cousin, died last month. Following that, a 21-member commission selected the goalkeeper as its top candidate. Reports from Uganda said that as many as 15 members backed him in the vote.
Kamurasi, however, is reported to have had different priorities. He is said to have rejected the crown because his current responsibilities meant he could not take on the vacant position. "The first candidate said, 'I am not in a position to be king,'" Fr. Dr. Charles Oyo of the committee explained.
That brought the issue to a close for amateur footballer Kamurasi. The role instead went to Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma. He works as a news anchor and editor at the state broadcaster. However, his appointment has also sparked controversy, with members of the late king's family already contesting the decision.
For now, Kamurasi will stay in goal and continue playing for SE Dons. Things are going well for the club too. The London side are featuring in the FA Cup for the first time and most recently secured a 2–0 win over Erith Town. Founded in 2014 by English rapper Don Strapzy, the club is particularly well known for its social media profile. Kamurasi is one of the team's standout personalities and is especially noted for his fiery speeches before matches.
So, in the end, turning down the throne may well have been the right call.
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