From non-league football to the throne of a kingdom

A goalkeeper playing in the ninth tier of English football could soon trade his gloves for a crown after being selected as the next king of the Tooro people in Uganda.

George Desmond Kamurasi, 36, is captain and goalkeeper of southeast London club SE Dons, but has been chosen to become the next omukama, or king, of the Tooro kingdom.

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Known as “Big G” at the Bexleyheath-based club, Kamurasi was selected following the death of his cousin, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, last month.

According to Ugandan media reports, 15 of the 18 members of Tooro’s royal succession committee who were present voted for Kamurasi on Friday. A formal proclamation is expected after Oyo’s burial this weekend.

Kamurasi has not publicly commented on his selection. Ugandan outlet Spy Uganda, citing sources close to the succession process, reported that he is reluctant to leave his life in London to take up the royal role.

The 6-foot-6 goalkeeper has become a prominent figure at SE Dons, founded in 2014 by British rapper Don Strapzy. 

Kamurasi regularly appears in the club’s social media content and is known for delivering passionate, and often expletive-laden, team talks before matches.

SE Dons are enjoying their first season in the FA Cup and beat Erith Town 2-0 on Saturday to reach the second qualifying round.

Uganda is governed by an elected president and parliament, while several traditional kingdoms continue to retain considerable cultural influence despite having no political authority.