Ugandan international and experienced midfielder Shafiq Kagimu has left North Macedonian topflight side FK Rabotnicki, following failed talks of a contract extension, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
While the two parties had advanced in the talks for fresh terms, with the player initially stating that he would stay for another two years, the club has left the talks, with financial constraints cropping up. The player has subsequently been informed, and he’s set to seek another home.
In an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, Kagimu confirmed his exit from Rabotnicki, underlining that it was a decision taken by the club, despite his desire to stay. Meanwhile, it should be recalled that he played the second half of last season at Brera Strumica in North Macedonia.
“Well, I wanted to stay and fight for my spot and for the club, but they made the decision and didn’t proceed with the talks. They have been open to me and for me, that’s a proper show of respect. The financial situation at the club is tricky, so, when these kinds of decisions are made, you have to respect them. It’s a team I hold so dear at heart, but now is the time to move on and sort my future. I’m calm, and it won’t be too long before I get back playing at the top,” Kagimu exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Kagimu, who joined the club at the 2023/24 start, played 21 of their 33 league games as they clinched an eighth-place finish with 42 points. Overall, he played 34 times, before sending on loan at Brera Strumica, where he played 16 games last campaign.
It should be recalled that the fleet-footed midfielder, who can be accommodated in defensive and attacking roles, joined Rabotnicki from Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia, where he had spent less than a year. He made his biggest name as skipper at Uganda Premier League side URA FC, where he played four seasons, featuring in 80 league matches with 17 goals.
Meanwhile, Kagimu made his national senior team (Uganda Cranes) debut in 2019, and he has gone on to feature nine times. He, however, missed out on a call to the Cranes team gearing to face Botswana and Algeria in the upcoming World Cup qualification matches.
