After a short-lived stint in Europe, Uganda Cranes playmaker Travis Mutyaba is headed back to the African continent this time to Tunisian giants Club Sportif Sfaxien, where he has penned a three-year deal.
At just 19 years old, Mutyaba’s football journey has already spanned Uganda, Egypt, France, and now Tunisia.
His latest move marks the third club switch in under a year, a reflection of both the volatility and potential of one of Uganda’s most talked-about young talents.
Mutyaba joins CS Sfaxien from French fourth-tier side Girondins de Bordeaux B, where he featured in 18 matches but struggled to make a lasting impression recording no goals or assists during his time there.
The French move, which came in October 2024, was an ambitious step into European football.
But with limited opportunities to shine and stiff competition for attacking roles, the Ugandan international found himself needing a reset.
Now, with his signing confirmed at CS Sfaxien eight-time Tunisian champions and three-time CAF Confederation Cup winners, the hope is for Mutyaba to reignite his form and find more consistent playing time.
This isn’t Mutyaba’s first experience in North Africa. In July 2024, before heading to France, he signed with Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek SC, helping them to lift the 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup his first major continental title.
His familiarity with the pace and intensity of North African football could give him an edge at Sfaxien, who finished seventh in the Tunisian Ligue 1 last season and are eyeing a return to title contention.
Mutyaba becomes the second Ugandan to sign for CS Sfaxien, following in the footsteps of striker Yunus Sentamu. Fellow Ugandan international Kenneth Semakula also plies his trade in Tunisia, featuring for Club Africain.
However, many Ugandans have expressed disappointment over Mutyaba’s return to African football particularly to North Africa.
Critics argue that, despite the region’s competitive leagues, it has not been a favorable destination for Ugandan players.
They point to past examples such as Allan Okello, Muhammad Shaban, and Yunus Ssentamu, whose promising careers stalled or declined during their time with North African clubs. For them, Mutyaba’s move raises concern that he could follow a similar trajectory.
