Hidden Gems

There is nothing more exciting than the prospect of an unknown import signing for your club.

Charles Mbabzi Livingstone

“Charlie” was a magician, simple as. The Ugandan international arrived in Dublin just before the millennium via ex-Wimbledon striker John Fashanu and his technical ability coupled with his obvious joy whilst on a football pitch captured the hearts of the Saints faithful.

The Saints picked up a League Cup during Mbabzi’s time at the club and were cruelly denied a league title due to the registration issues with both Charlie and Paul Marney.

The winger was also denied the opportunity to play in an FAI Cup Final v Longford in 2003 due to a heart condition which ultimately ended his professional career in Ireland prematurely.

He did however manage to get back on a football pitch three years later in Vietnam, where he spent four years playing before eventually giving up the game for good in 2013.

Management would follow however, spells with Bright Stars FC and the Somalian national team were brief and in recent years Mbabzi has manage several teams in Uganda. He left Kyetume FC in early March of this year.