A British amateur goalkeeper tipped to become a Ugandan king is the ‘perfect royal’, say neighbours.
However, they claim George Desmond Kamurasi from southeast London will not be pleased about swapping his tracksuit for royal robes.
George, who captains the SE Dons, may be on the brink of swapping life in a two-up-two-down terrace in south-east London for life as a royal on an entirely different continent.
The 36-year-old could be first in line to the throne of the Tooro Kingdom following the death of the monarch, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, in the US last week.
The successor will be officially named before the weekend in line with tradition.
George is a direct descendant of the ‘Babiito’ clan and cousin of the late King Oyo.
Residents who live near George spoke with pride about their neighbour’s royal connection and his possible switch from football kit to crown and gown.
They said his family had lived in the terraced house near Lewisham for decades. He has a young child and is popular in the community.
The Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda was ruled by King Oyo from 1995 until his recent death.
Pensioner Davee Kistamah, who has been a neighbour and family friend of George for decades, told : ‘He is a wonderful man. He and his family have lived on the road for a long time. He has a partner and child and they are all lovely.
‘I knew there was some royal connection, but this has come out of the blue. He is definitely fit to be a king. He is so caring and thoughtful.
‘During Covid I fell over, and he was nearby, and I told him what happened.
I was bleeding, and he helped me and got ice for the swelling. That’s the kind of person he is. He’s so humble and willing to help.
‘I think he is ideal to lead people, but if he does leave the street, we will all be so sad. He and his family are part of us.
‘We have been joking that his partner will now possibly be a Queen; she is a really nice, quiet person. It’s a lot for them to take in.’
If George becomes king, the family will have to relocate to Uganda. Their terraced house displays a ‘for sale’ sign outside, but it is unclear if this is related to his possible appointment.
However, there is debate in Uganda as to whether a Ugandan who has lived his life in the UK should be handed the crown.
Another neighbour, Michelle Leung, 30, told : ‘He is such a lovely guy. He’s always in his football kit and is very friendly and polite.’
She joked: ‘I guess he may have to swap the football kit for a crown. I had no idea he was in line to be a king; it’s amazing news.’
Another neighbour added: ‘George is the most down-to-earth, brilliant guy you could meet.
‘He’s king material for sure; he’s captain of his football team and is a born leader, if you ask me.
‘He will have to swap the tracksuit for robes, though; I don’t know if he will be happy about that!’
The South East Dons were founded in 2014 by British rapper Andrew ‘Don Strapzy’ McHugh. They play in the ninth tier of English football.
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