“I Was Emboldened By My Mother To Join Sports,” Sharon Kaidu.
By: Uwizera Plan
It is every parent’s wish, especially women/ mothers, to have a successful kid in their future in any kind of good activity they might be involved in, including sports among others.
However, not so many women have passion and love for sports, and yet it is, justifiably, one of best careers on this planet. It is not everyday that you will find a woman/ mother encouraging their daughter to get involved in sports, most especially football.
Contrary to this general narrative, Sharon’s story paints an entirely different picture and should create an impact on women’s mindset about the game of football.
The Under 17 (U17) Women’s National Team and Uganda Martyrs goalkeeper, Sharon Kaidu, gives all thanks to her mother for pushing and standing with her when it came to sports matters in the family.
In an exclusive interview with this website, Sharon says that having been brought up in a family that had little love and interest in sports, she thought her passion for sports would end up being a total waste of time.
“I want to thank my mother for supporting and standing with me every time a sports matter came up in the family,” Sharon said.
“Yes, I had passion for sports, but if my mother had not pushed it in the family, I would be no where in the sports industry, since she is the only person in the family who has love for sports, football to be specific. So, she would always fight for me,” Sharon passionately added.
Kaidu Sharon has and is still using this platform [of playing professional football] to send out a loud plea to all parents to play a part in their children’s careers, not only in education, but also in other things like sports.
“We might not all benefit from books, though we need them as well. Always stand with your kids and support them in every activity they get involved in,” Sharon urged.
“I may not be where I am supposed to be right now, but I am not worried. I will get there with the support of my parents, administrators and God, since it is one step at time,” Sharon emphasized.
Kaidu Sharon joined the Uganda Martyrs side at a time when the side was struggling with the goalkeepeing position after the departure of Daphine Nyayenga to She Cooperates, and many thought the side would be in a difficult situation. But thanks to the arrival of Sharon, the club have performed at a consistently exceptional level.
In the first FUFA Women Super League season, that is, 2021 -2022, she (Sharon) looked shaky in the goal posts, but due to a lot of exposure and having enough playing time on the team and the national side, she now looks to have matured and is doing things the right way both on and off the pitch.