Not many players in Uganda have the ability to hold onto that ball beat opponents, pickup teammates with ease but most importantly possess that final pass for a marksman. Kizito Luwaga is one of those few.
After signing for Rio Ave in the Portuguese top tier league early this week, the former Vipers midfielder joined the Cranes Camp Friday afternoon.
Less than 24 hours to Uganda’s first 2017 AFCON qualifier against Botswana on Saturday, Luwaga joined his teammates for the last training session on the eve of the game.
Signs of fatigue and jetlag were evident in the first half as the sleek midfielder struggled to find his zone. But after 60 minutes of the game he was the difference between Botswana and Uganda.
Luwaga didn’t get onto the score sheet, but he was the reason skipper of the day Massa Geoffrey found the back of the net. Former Wembley player created space for himself deep in Botswana’s half before his cross beat the entire defense of the Cosafa country to meet Massa’s head for the opener.
Brian Umony was searching for his Cranes goal in a long time and Luwaga came to his rescue. The right winger beat his marker to find the St George striker and Umony made no mistake as he shot for goal and found the back of the net to make it 2-0.
Not the kind of player who only assists the team offensively, the ‘not so well built’ midfielder also made sure he helped out defensively.
Won possession and took the game to Botswana, no wonder he got so many players from the opposition in foul trouble.
A move to Rio Ave will without a doubt make Luwaga a better player and yes, he is one player that will be vital and essential as the pearl of Africa tries to break the Afcon jinx.
