As he was growing up, footballer Allan Drajuwa was then pint sized and short of confidence.
Back in the days at Kakira Factory primary school, he was as shy as a bushy-tailed opossum creature.
Born to Rogers Ewachabo and Joyce Anikyru 19 years ago, Drajuwa grew up in the famous Kakira Sugar Cane Estate.
He had a dream of playing football to the highest stage possible.
In an exclusive interview with Kawowo Sports, Drajuwa testified escaping from home to train despite the resistance from parents.
At first, my parents discouraged me from playing football. They wanted me to concentrate with class chores but I would escape to train with my friends in Kakiri Estate.
When Drajuwa completed Primary Seven, he switched to Kakira High up to Senior Three before he was tapped by Jinja S.S for a bursary until he completed ‘A’ level.
Now his parents encouraged him to play the game because they could no longer have the stress of looking for school fees since the son was on a fully catered for bursary.
He joined Kirinya Football Club during the club’s Regional League days before it was elevated to the FUFA Big League under management of Jinja S.S.
It was finally promoted to the Uganda Premier League having led the FUFA Big League ahead of Proline and Masavu in the Rwenzori Group.
Scorer of the winning goal to promotion:
The 2nd born in the family of four has a special apartment reserved in the archives of Kirinya-Jinja S.S Football Club.
He was the scorer of the winning goal in the 3-2 victory against Wandegeya at Kanyanya playground on the very last day of the Big League regular season.
I still recall every moment of that match.
It was a great match that I will remember for the rest of my life. Scoring the winning goal was so special to me. It was so hard to believe.
We wanted the win at all costs. We were well motivated. We were 2 goals down at some stage and we fought hard before scoring two goals and I scored the third goal.
Walker and Arsenal inspiration:
He confesses the love for English side Arsenal but ironically, he has always loved to play like Tottenham and English right back, Kyle Andrew Walker.
Locally, he has always admired the style and passion of Nico Wakiro Wadada, the current Vipers skipper.
I loved to watch Arsenal Football Club play but I used to love the way Walker played.
Besides admiring Arsenal’s style and following Walker’s path, Drajuwa pays glowing tribute to the Head teacher at Jinja S.S, Diana Nyago and the former coach Matthew Lukya.
Hard times in the top flight league:
Drajuwa, who can confidently be employed at right back, central defense and midfield admits having found life in the top flight of the league a mountain to climb.
It has not been what we expected when we got promoted to the Uganda Premier League. In the first round, it was hard to win a single game despite creating a lot of chances.
We have however improved for the better in the second half of the season.
Future plans:
Drajuwa wants to play professional football when the right time arrives.
His dream to play for the senior national team is also alive having donned the famous Uganda Cranes jersey during the Eastern Uganda regional tour match in March 2017 at Kamuli play ground.
The national side won 3-0 with Drajuwa introduced in the second half of the match.
I remain indebted to continue working hard in training so that I turn professional and also play for the Uganda Cranes senior team.
Whether Drajuwa’s life time ambitions materialize, he has already had a rich script to pen down in the ordinary life of a contemporary Ugandan footballer.
Drajuwa Fact file:
Full Names: Allan Drajuwa
Parents: Rogers Ewachabo and Joyce Anikyru
Date of Birth: 12th June 1999
Place of Birth: Kakira, Jinja
Education: Factory Primary School, Kakira, Kakira High School (S1-S3), Jinja S.S (S.4 – S.6)
Toughest Opponent: Nico Wakiro Wadada
Inspiration: Headmistress Diana Nyago and Coach Lukya
Future projection: Professional footballer
