Tanzania-based Ugandan left-back Shafik Batambuze has agreed to a January deal to exit Fountain Gate United for a permanent move to Greek Second Division outfit Niki Volos, The Nerve Africa has exclusively learned.
Batambuze only joined Fountain Gate of the Tanzanian Premier League in August this year on a one-year contract but will leave after just four months. Niki Volos and Fountain Gate have reached an agreement for the player to move to Greece in the January transfer window.
In exchange for the remainder of his contract, Niki Volos will pay Fountain Gate a substantial compensation fee. This move will mark Batambuze’s first-ever stint in Europe, having previously played across Africa.
According to sources close to the 30-year-old’s representatives at Prosper Sports Agency, he will sign a three-year contract with Niki Volos during the winter transfer window. The player is expected to earn monthly wages in the region of €4,400 (about Uganda Shillings 17 million).
“Clubs in Europe monitored him during the previous window following his impressive season in Kenya, but we couldn’t secure a deal. So, when Niki Volos showed interest, we responded, and his team (Fountain Gate) also gave the green light. He will join them in January for three campaigns, and for me, that’s the most important thing,” the source told The Nerve Africa in an interview.
Before Fountain Gate, Batambuze featured in the Kenya Premier League with reigning champions Gor Mahia FC, Kakamega Homeboyz, Tusker FC, Sofapaka, Western Stima, and Muhoroni Youth FC.
He also played for Ugandan sides Simba FC and record champions SC Villa, as well as Zambia’s Kabwe Warriors FC, cementing his reputation as a renowned journeyman across the African continent.
At the international level, Batambuze has earned four competitive caps with Uganda’s National Senior Team, The Cranes, and was part of the squad that represented Uganda at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
