Quick Facts
Biography
Diaz Kambere (born October 18, 1985) is a Ugandan-born Canadian footballer. He currently plays for Africa United FC in the Multicultural Soccer League of British Columbia.
Career
College and Amateur
Kambere was born in Uganda, but moved to Surrey, British Columbia with his family as a child. He was a student at Centennial Secondary School in Coquitlam and John Norquay Elementary School in Vancouver, played youth soccer for Vancouver's Italian Canadian Sports Federation (ICSF) and the Eagle Ridge Rogue Selects in Coquitlam, BC, and was also a member of the British Columbia provincial team at the U-15, U-16, and U-18 levels. After moving with his family to the Lower Mainland in 1992 he attended Langara College and then Trinity Western University, where he studied Human Kinetics and Psychology.
Professional
Kambere signed for the Vancouver Whitecaps of the USL First Division in 2006, subsequently playing in 28 games over two years with the team. On September 6, 2008, he was signed to a 'one day contract' with Toronto FC to be able to play in a game against Chivas USA, due to that squad missing nine players to international duty.
On December 10, 2008, Kambere was released from his contract with the Whitecaps. Having been unable to secure a professional contract, he signed with the Abbotsford Mariners of the USL Premier Development League for the 2009 season.
After a brief loan spell with Surrey United in the Pacific Coast Soccer League, Kambere joined Abbotsford's PDL rivals Victoria Highlanders in 2010.
International
Kambere represented Canada in the 2008 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament.
Personal life
Before moving to Canada Kambere's father, Amos Kambere, served as a member of the Ugandan Parliament. His family continue to support charitable causes and development efforts in Africa. His older brother, Donald Kambere, played alongside him at Abbotsford, and he has two younger brothers, Jethro and Kule, who aspire to play professional soccer.
Coaching career
During the off-season, Kambere has served as a coach with Semiahmoo SC in Surrey, British Columbia since 2007.
Honours
Vancouver Whitecaps
- USL First Division championship (1): 2008