2017 Copa football Most Valuable Player (MVP) and winning captain Ivan Wani is grateful of the tournament that helped him grow in confidence as a footballer.
The creative midfielder who won the national schools football most coveted trophy with Jinja S.S in Masaka after overcoming St Mary’s Kitende is now with Uganda Premier League side Maroons Football Club.
He is full of praise for the tournament whose 2018 finals will be hosted by Mbarara High School in May.
I am grateful for the Copa coca cola tournament. It made me mature as a player. I gained a lot of confidence from the tournament.
Wani was recruited by Prisons’ run side Maroons F.C in January 2018 after he completed his Senior six leavers examinations, joining the copa tournament scout Asaph Mwebaze.
For starters, Mwebaze is the head coach at Maroons and highly believes in players of Wani’s stature.
On life in the top flight division, Wani acknowledges it has been a good tiding and perfect learning experience;
Top flight football is very difficult from school football. From the training regime to the level of competition, it has been a whole new experience for me. I really enjoy my time at Maroons because the coach believes in me.
Dreams ahead:
Wani asserts he would one day dream to play for Uganda Cranes, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and turn professional as well at the latter stage.
He admires Vipers’ Tadeo Lwanga, KCCA stylish midfielder Allan Okello, Mustapha Kizza and Julius Poloto; and Spanish international Xavi Hernandes.
Wani’s most challenging opponent thus far has been Vipers’ Tadeo Lwanga.
Jinja Secondary school made history when they won their first ever championship after defeating St Mary’s Kitende S.S 4-3 on post match penalties following a one all draw in normal time.
This year’s final will be held at Mbarara High School in Mbarara come May 2018.
Wani profile:
- Full Names: Ivan Wani
- Parents: David and Mary Modo
- Date of Birth: 12th December 1998
- Place of Birth: Kakira Hospital, Jinja
- Inspiration: Mother and father
- Education: Completed S6 in 2017 (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 for KCCA, Uganda Cranes and turn professional