Awany leads from front in KCCA title triumph
Captain Fantastic. Awany has been willing to put his body on the line for KCCA both in local and continental games. He has also deservedly earned praise from KCCA coaches for his tireless and consistent efforts. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
- Mr Consistent. The defender has this season demonstrated an ability to anticipate movements of opposition forwards half a second ahead of them.
KAMPALA. KCCA manager Mike Mutebi has repeatedly stated this season, that his team has been operating at 45% of their potential.
While some interpreted that as a dig towards his team’s rivals, the truth is many of his players such as Allan Okello, Muzamir Mutyaba and Jackson Nunda have not hit the heights set previously.
One player who has however emerged with distinction is captain Timothy Awany.
The defender is completing his fifth season at the club and is the longest serving player having made his debut in the 2014/2015 campaign. He perhaps now understands best what is required of a KCCA player and by his coaches led by Mutebi.
Many a time this season, he has demonstrated an ability to anticipate movements of opposition forwards half a second before they were attempted.
He has also repeatedly shown the ability to initiate attacks aided by his game reading ability having occasionally played as a holding midfielder for the Cranes Chan team under former Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic .
Few will also forget his lung-busting run in KCCA’s 3-2 victory over SC Villa on match-day seven.
After defending a corner, he powered down the left from inside his half, leaving Manco Kaweesa in his wake before crossing for Poloto to head in the leveler at 1-1.
He has also contributed vital goals this campaign with his abilities all coming to the fore as KCCA inflicted a first defeat of the season on URA.
Individual accolades
He earned a man of the match award for shutting out the Tax Collectors with his header the lone goal in a game in which his team were on the back foot for long periods at Namboole. The victory ensured they led at the halfway point of the season in a result Mutebi described as the turning point in their season.
“We are going to stay there at the top. We know how to stay there. It is easier for us to look over our shoulders because we have been there. This has been a turning point for our season,” Mutebi said afterwards.
His team have now gone on to claim the last three titles when they led at the halfway point.
Awany was also on the score sheet with the second goal in a 2-0 win that was the first ever away victory over Onduparaka as well as the second goal in the 6-0 rout of Nyamityobora.
With the forwards wasting penalties at the start of the season, he also took over penalty taking duties at the club scoring on the continent and in the 2-1 loss to URA.
“I think Awany is the best player locally at the moment. Football is democratic and I believe right now, he should be a starter on the national team,” Mutebi purred after his team’s game against Congolese side Otôho d’Oyo in January. Few will disagree.
