Ernest Sugira is a striker for Amavubi (National Football Team) and the Nyamirambo-based club AS Kigali. The 24-year-old did his country proud during the recently concluded African Nations Championships (CHAN). But off the pitch, how well do you know Sugira? Stephen Kalimba asked him a few questions.

1. What human habits irritate you?

Smoking and drinking, they can affect a person’s health and career.

2. Who is the funniest team mate?

Goalkeeper Jean Luc "Bakame”Ndayishimiye and left back Mwemere Ngirinshuti; they have jokes and make fun a lot.

3. What’s your personal philosophy?

Having discipline in everything

4. Do you have a phobia?

Snakes.

5. Who is your favourite fictional superhero?

Spiderman, he does some amazing stuff.

6. What food do you cook best?

I don’t really cook, I haven’t bothered to find out.

7. If you weren’t an athlete, what would you be?

I would be a diplomat, like an ambassador.

8. Have you ever scored an own goal?

Never, I normally play up front.

9. When you visit a website, or buy a newspaper, which section do you go to first?

Sports and then politics.

10. What is the one thing most people do not know about you?

I like my privacy, but if people want to engage me I don’t say no.

11. Your ideal woman; makeup or natural?

Natural, as long as she has a good heart.

12. What’s the perfect marriage proposal?

A public proposal.

13. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Stay humble and don’t get carried away by the moment.

14. Cats or dogs?

I don’t like pets at all.

15. What’s your biggest regret?

I don’t have any regrets.

16. A suit or Kitenge?

A suit.

17. If it was possible, which animal would you like to be?

A lion, it has power.

18. If you had a pet animal, what would you call it?

I would never have a pet, like I said I don’t like animals.

19. Religion or science?

Religion. Science stirs a lot of questions.

20. How do you want to be remembered?

I want to be remembered for my good deeds and discipline.

21. If you were an artiste, what would your stage name be?

Sugira Ernest.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw