SE Dons amateur goalkeeper could be next in line for Ugandan throne

An amateur goalkeeper, a vacant throne in a kingdom of Uganda and the search for a new king.

Is this likely to be the most remarkable story of the season?

South East Dons - founded in 2014 by British rapper Andrew 'Don Strapzy' McHugh - are arguably one of the most well-known amateur football clubs in the UK.

And given the situation surrounding their current captain and goalkeeper - George Desmond Kamurasi - that's unlikely to change anytime soon.

The BBC understands the SE Dons player is currently in Uganda to attend the funeral of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV , which is expected to take place before the weekend.

As is tradition, his successor will be named before the burial - and it has been widely reported Kamurasi has been chosen as the region's new king.

Uganda is governed by an elected president and parliament, but it has several traditional kingdoms that continue to have significant cultural influence despite not having political power.

The Tooro Kingdom in western Uganda was ruled by King Oyo from 1995. He died in the United States last week, aged 34, after receiving treatment for an aggressive form of cancer.

Kamurasi, 36, is a direct descendant of the clan of 'Babiito' and cousin to the late King Oyo.

'I appeal to all Ugandans to remain patient'

It's a far cry from Bexleyheath in south east London, where Kamurasi has been a key member of the SE Dons team's quest to climb the footballing ladder.

The club recently garnered attention by reaching the second qualifying round of the FA Cup. They are due to play Chichester City on Saturday, 19 September.

Although Kamurasi is yet to comment on the reports, he took to social media to plead for patience and space in relation to the situation.

Writing on X , external he said: "I appeal to all Ugandans to remain patient and allow the Omusuuga and the committee to perform their duties in accordance with our cultural traditions for enthroning a new Omukama.

"Let us focus entirely on mourning my cousin, His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV."

King Oyo was the world's youngest serving monarch, having ascended the throne at the age of three.

The vacant throne for the Tooro Kingdom of Uganda has courted much intrigue and speculation.

The Royal Select Committee, which is tasked with confirming a new king, must first create a shortlist that not only includes lineage through bloodlines but also relatives of the deceased monarch.

As is tradition, King Oyo's casket will be escorted to the royal burial grounds with his successor and a few close relatives.

The ceremony will also see the new king throw nine coffee beans into the ground where King Oyo is buried.

Before heading to the palace, where he will have a special meal cooked by someone selected specially to prepare it, he is also expected to 'battle' with someone for the throne.

In the past, all rulers of the region have lived in the area - and in the history of the Tooro Kingdom no-one has ever refused to take the throne.

Although, if that were to be the case, the Royal Select Committee would gather again to choose the next suitable candidate until a successor accepts.

Additional reporting by Bella Twine, from BBC World Service's Focus on Africa programme.