Jinja S.S’ Ivan Wani did not expect to be voted as the tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2017 Copa schools’ event that climaxed at Masaka Recreational stadium on Saturday evening.
For his match winning potentiality coupled with exiciting successful dribbles, organizers of the annual tournament now heading to quarter a century named him as the MVP.
Wani, in an exclusive interview with Kawowo Sports at Masaka Recreational stadium after Saturday’s victory over St Mary’s Kitende, Wani attributed the success to the support of his parents.
My mother and father have always motivated me to play football.
They encouraged me to play football at a younger age and they would also buy me playing boots.
Jinja S.S won their first ever trophy at the Copa National Championship after overcoming 8 time winners St Mary’s Kitende 4-3 following a one all draw in normal time.
To Wani, who was one of the key pillars for team Jinja S.S, it was done because of teamwork and spirited display right from the early preparations.
We were determined to win. When we lost to Jinja Progressive at the district final, we worked harder and became champions at the region.
Also, we would play many friendly matches against the senior team playing in the top flight league. This made us harden
Born to a Kenyan mother Mary Modo and a Ugandan father David Adepo, Wani was risen and bred in the famous Kakira sugar estate in Jinja.
His father was a former Nile Football Club player who inspired him to play football.
I want to be like my father.
I want to play football up to the highest level and at one time feature for the Uganda Cranes and turn professional
Jinja’s triumph was the first ever in the history of the 24 year tournament.
Wani profile:
Full Names: Ivan Wani
Parents: Mary Modo and David
Date of Birth: 12th December 1998
Place of Birth: Kakira Hospital, Jinja
Inspiration: Mother and father
Class: S.6
Subject combination: History, Literature, Divinity /Computer (HLD/Comp)
Football Career: Jinja S.S (Regional League and FUFA Big league)
Playing positions: Midfield and attack
Dreams: To play in the Uganda Premier League, national team and turn professional