Alpha Thiery Ssali
 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Alpha Thierry Ssali | ||
| Date of birth | December 29, 2003 | ||
| Place of birth | Kampala, Uganda | ||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Position | |||
| Team information | |||
Current team | KCCA FC | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2021 | Proline Football Academy | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2021–2023 | Proline FC | ||
| 2023–2025 | Express FC | 35 | (3) |
| 2025 | NEC FC | ||
| 2025 - Present | KCCA FC | ||
| International career | |||
| 2020–2022 | Uganda Cranes U20 | ||
| 2022–2023 | Uganda Cranes U23 | ||
| 2023–Present | Uganda Cranes | ||
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Alpha Thierry Ssali (born 29 December 2003) is a Ugandan footballer who plays as a forward for KCCA FC in the Uganda Premier League.[1] He has represented the Uganda national football team at youth international levels.
Early life
Alpha Thierry Ssali was born on 29 December 2003 in Kampala, Uganda.[2] He is the son of Ugandan artist Moses Ssali (known professionally as Bebe Cool) and Zuena Kirema.[3] He was named in homage to French striker Thierry Henry.[3]
Ssali developed his football skills at the Proline Soccer Academy, where he captained the under-17 side.[3]
Club career
Proline FC
Ssali made his senior debut for Proline FC during the Stanbic Uganda Cup on 6 April 2021 and scored in a 4–1 victory over MYDA FC.[4]
Express FC
In August 2023, he signed a two-year contract with Express FC, making 35 appearances and scoring three goals during his spell.[5]
In December 2023, Express confirmed that Ssali missed a league fixture due to malaria.[6]
NEC FC
In January 2025, Ssali joined NEC FC on a two-year deal.[7] Head coach Hussein Mbalangu stated that Ssali was still adapting to the team’s style of play prior to his debut.[8]
Trials in Spain
In early 2025, Ssali underwent trials with Khaled Catalunya Management in Spain, though his father clarified that he had not signed with a Spanish club and would return to Uganda to finish the season.[9] Later reports linked him to a possible move to Racing Ferrol in Spain’s Segunda División.[10]
KCCA FA
On 6 September 2025, the Kampala Capital City Authority FC announced the signing Alpha Ssali on a two year contract until 2027.[1]
International career
Ssali made his debut for the Uganda U20 in 2020 at the CECAFA U-20 Championship, in a match against Burundi.[3] He has also represented Uganda at under-23 level and has been considered for the senior Uganda Cranes.[11][12]
Style of play
Ssali is primarily deployed as a winger, though he can also play as a second striker. Coaches have described him as a pacey and versatile forward with strong dribbling skills and the ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.[13] NEC head coach Hussein Mbalangu praised his technical ability but noted that he is still adapting to the physical demands of top-flight football.[8]
Career statistics
Club
| Club | Season(s) | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proline FC | 2021–2023 | Uganda First Division | ||
| Express FC | 2023–2025 | Uganda Premier League | 35 | 3 |
| NEC FC | 2025–Present | Uganda Premier League |
International
| National team | Years | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda U20 | 2020– | – | – |
| Uganda U23 | 2022– | – | – |
| Uganda | 2023– | – | – |
Honours
- Uganda U20
Personal life
Ssali is the second-born son of Ugandan musician Bebe Cool and Zuena Kirema.[3] He has occasionally performed alongside his father at concerts.[15]
See also
References
- ^ a b Magero, Moses (2025-09-06). "Ssali Alpha Thierry Joins KCCA FC, Carrying Forward a Storied Legacy - KCCA FC". Retrieved 2025-09-07.
- ^ Soccerway (2003-12-29). "Alpha Ssali Profile". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ a b c d e BigEye Uganda (2024-06-20). "Bebe Cool and family thrilled after son Alpha's debut at the Uganda national team". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ Daily Express (2021-04-06). "Bebe Cool’s son Alpha Ssali scores as Proline put 4 past MYDA FC in Uganda Cup". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ Pulse Sports Uganda (2023-08-13). "Alpha Thierry Ssali joins Premier League side after Proline exit". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ Pulse Sports Uganda (2023-12-08). "Express star Alpha Ssali out with malaria". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ The Sports Role (2025-01-27). "NEC FC officially unveils Alpha Thierry Ssali from Express FC". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ a b Swift Sports Uganda (2025-02-15). "Alpha is yet to adapt to our style – Mbalangu". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ Pulse Uganda (2025-01-13). "Bebe Cool breaks silence on Alpha Ssali joining Spanish club". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ The Nerve Africa (2025-01-15). "Alpha Ssali heads to Spain ahead of possible move to Racing Ferrol". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ Pulse Sports Uganda (2024-02-14). "Alpha Ssali part of Uganda’s U20 squad for All-Africa Games". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ Marsha, Ahmed (2021-02-14). "Profiles of the Uganda players at AFCON U20 in Mauritania, 20 of them played in the FUFA Juniors League". FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations. Retrieved 2025-09-04.
- ^ Swift Sports Uganda (2023-09-15). "Alpha Ssali tipped to become Uganda’s next big attacking star". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ CAF Online (2020-12-02). "Uganda beat Tanzania to win CECAFA U20 Challenge Cup". Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ^ Pulse Sports Uganda (2023-12-27). "Express star Alpha Ssali wows audience as he performs with father Bebe Cool on stage". Retrieved 2025-09-03.