Photo by: Elena Versage
Mimosa Selected to Uganda's U20 National Team
8/26/2026 4:39:00 PM | Men's Soccer
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – UC Riverside men's soccer player Yashir Mimosa was selected to play for his native Uganda on the nation's U20 Men's National Team. The team will compete in the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON Men's- CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, scheduled to take place from September 16th through 30th in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
"Wearing Uganda's jersey is a great honor and a dream come true," said Mimosa. "It means representing my country, my family, the Highlander family and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey."
UC Riverside Men's Soccer Head Coach Tim Cupello said that one of his favorite joys as a coach is becoming a fan of his players when they move on to the next phase of their career.
"It's unique to be able to be a fan of his national team's success while simultaneously coaching him in our program," added Cupello. "Hopefully we get to put a Ugandan National Team jersey up in our office alongside all the other professional and national team jerseys that have come from our UCR family."
Mimosa, out of Arua, Uganda, is a new addition to the Highlanders after transferring from Gardner Webb in Boiling Springs, N.C. Prior to his only year at Gardner Webb, Mimosa prepped at Kampala High School where he was named athlete of the year (three times) and named to Academic Honours President's List in 2025.
For Mimosa playing for Uganda is about contributing to the team, winning and making his country proud. He noted that it would be an unforgettable moment and one of the biggest achievements of his career.
"To score or win for my country would mean so much to me and would make my family, country and everyone that supported me proud," Mimosa added.
Coach Cupello remarked about Mimosa's commitment to be the best he can be in everything he does.
"I can't say enough about Yashir and his pursuit of excellence," Cupello said. "As difficult as it is to earn a national team call-up, it does not surprise me that Yashir was selected."Â
Mimosa made his Highlander debut on August 20, 2026, when UC Riverside opened the 2026 season at Oral Roberts where he played 28 minutes.
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"Wearing Uganda's jersey is a great honor and a dream come true," said Mimosa. "It means representing my country, my family, the Highlander family and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey."
UC Riverside Men's Soccer Head Coach Tim Cupello said that one of his favorite joys as a coach is becoming a fan of his players when they move on to the next phase of their career.
"It's unique to be able to be a fan of his national team's success while simultaneously coaching him in our program," added Cupello. "Hopefully we get to put a Ugandan National Team jersey up in our office alongside all the other professional and national team jerseys that have come from our UCR family."
Mimosa, out of Arua, Uganda, is a new addition to the Highlanders after transferring from Gardner Webb in Boiling Springs, N.C. Prior to his only year at Gardner Webb, Mimosa prepped at Kampala High School where he was named athlete of the year (three times) and named to Academic Honours President's List in 2025.
For Mimosa playing for Uganda is about contributing to the team, winning and making his country proud. He noted that it would be an unforgettable moment and one of the biggest achievements of his career.
"To score or win for my country would mean so much to me and would make my family, country and everyone that supported me proud," Mimosa added.
Coach Cupello remarked about Mimosa's commitment to be the best he can be in everything he does.
"I can't say enough about Yashir and his pursuit of excellence," Cupello said. "As difficult as it is to earn a national team call-up, it does not surprise me that Yashir was selected."Â
Mimosa made his Highlander debut on August 20, 2026, when UC Riverside opened the 2026 season at Oral Roberts where he played 28 minutes.
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