Award winner Kalyango under pressure to perform

KAMPALA.

Ruby player Oscar Kalyango has revealed he is under pressure to replicate last season’s form.
The Kobs player had arguably his best season in rugby last year, claiming the Uganda Ruby Union MVP award.

He was also crowned the 2014 Nile Special-Uspa male rugby player of the year last Saturday.
“There is pressure for me to perform because everyone expects me to keep up the standards I set last season,” Kalyango told Daily Monitor after receiving the Uspa award at Imperial Royale Hotel.” “I am aware everyone is stepping up so am not resting. I will keep working hard.”

Kalyango, who helped Kobs reclaim the 2013-14 league title for the first time in five years, paid tribute to his teammates for working as a unit. “It wasn’t all about my hard work,” he said.

“I had inspiration from my mentor Timothy Mudoola, captain Brian Odongo and not forgetting my teammates especially Joseph Aredo and Justin Kimono, who made it easy for me,” he said. This season, Kalyango is determined to guide the nation senior men’s team, the Rugby Cranes, back to the top tier of African rugby.

“I also want to play 7s for the national side, something I last did in 2012,” he said.
The current 2014-2015 season hasn’t been so easy for Kalyango as he has had to deal with injuries coupled with inconsistent form.

However, he still hopes to regain his mojo and deliver at the top level.
“My coaches told me I had a good season (2013-2014) but I believe I can do better. You haven’t seen the best of me,” he warned.

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