During the international window in September, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Micah Burton traveled abroad to represent their respective nations.
Byaruhanga traveled 16 hours from Austin to Morocco and played 89 minutes in Uganda's Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match, marking his 16th career cap. During the game, the Kisoro native drew three fouls, made four interceptions, and completed a successful dribble.
“It was good,” said Byaruhanga about his trip to Morocco. “We managed to win our game though we failed to qualify to go to Africa Cup of Nations but that’s (soccer). We fought back but we’ll be better next time.”
“It’s a good feeling because everyone’s dream is to play for their nation,” said Byaruhanga on representing his home country. “It’s a great feeling to be selected to the team and I’m always happy when I’m given the chance to start. It was my dream and my family’s dream since I was two years old. They believed in me that one day I would play for the national team. My family back home always supports me when I’m on the pitch playing for my nation, it’s a happy feeling.”
Meanwhile, Burton made his way to the Czech Republic to play for the U.S. U-17s in the Vaclav Jezek Cup, participating in three matches against Ukraine, Switzerland, and Czech Republic for a total of 117 minutes. He started in the middle match against Switzerland.
“It's a dream come true, and always an honor to represent the badge,” said Burton. “It’s a great opportunity to represent myself and my family, my club, and my country. It was a good trip with the team and good to be back with the boys.”
Byaruhanga and Burton incorporated some of the techniques they learned from their training with ATXFC II this season into their respective national teams.
Byaruhanga shared, “I get good training here (at Austin FC), and when I play with my teammates back home, they can see the improvements in my game.” Burton added, “I try to bring the intensity and speed that I have learned with the second and first team back to my national team. By bringing that level of play, I'm able to compete at the highest level.”
Burton will rejoin the U.S. U-17 team in Brazil as the team will play two international friendly matches against Brazil on October 4 and October 6.
