Attacking midfielder Duke Abuya has just signed a two-year contract with Tanzanian giants Young Africans (Yanga) SC, after spending last season on loan with them from Kenyan champions Police FC.
Abuya had previously spent a season, also on loan, with another Tanzanian side, Singida Black Stars, before Yanga decided to tap on his services. They also pulled him on a loan deal from Police.
However, a hugely successful season for the midfielder saw him play a pivotal role in Yanga’s run to a domestic double, scoring crucial goals to aid them win the Premier League and the FA Cup.
And now, they have decided to splash out the cash and offer him a permanent contract, especially as they head to a huge season where their ambition is hugely hinged on Continental success.
The midfielder has grown in stature since the start of his career with Kariobangi Sharks back in Kenya. He then made a move to Zambia, playing for two seasons before coming back home to sign for Police FC. He played there for a season on return, before the Tanzanian moneybags called on him.
He had a remarkable run over the last two seasons and began to be a more consistent figure with the national team Harambee Stars. Known for his creativity, strength and powerful shot, Abuya has proved to be an asset that any team would wish for.
He speaks exclusively to Telecomasia on life in Tanzania for the past season, his highs and lows, as well as expectation heading
- You have had a hugely successful season in Tanzania, how can you summarize it?
- It has been a really great season for me and I am thankful. The started was a bit hard but I slowly adapted and ensured it ended well. We did well in the league where we defended our title and also won the Cup. Winning a double is definitely top of my heart because it is special and priceless. I think we could have done better in the Champions League but we pick the positives and move.
- You mentioned that it wasn’t easy at the start. What exactly was the issue?
- Always, when you go to a new place, it’s never easy, especially when there are established players in your position and you have to work extra hard to find some playing time. It was difficult at the start, but I kept working and slowly I got a chance and became a regular. Going to a new place with a new culture, it is never quite easy to settle in quick but I am thankful I managed to find my footing.
- Is there anything you changed or did to make sure that you settled in well and put your head down well into the team?
- First I needed to go back to how I was playing and compare it to how the team wants us to play and that meant I had to make some adjustments. There were some things I wasn’t doing right like my positioning on and off the ball. I also worked more on my own in terms of extra training after our normal workout as a team just to try and improve to get to a good level. I think they helped me a lot and I also understood the team philosophy and culture.
- Speaking about philosophy, Yanga had three coaches in one season. How difficult was this to both you and the team?
- It was a bit difficult yes especially in terms of results. For example in the Champions League, we changed coaches at a crucial point just before the group stage started and we lost the first game. From there we picked up and had a chance to qualify on the last game but we were unlucky. I feel that the drastic changes affected us in the Champions League.
In terms of adapting we had to do it quickly and the good thing is the team has experienced players and for them it is easy to quickly adapt. For me, I found it easy as well because if those around you adapt quickly, then it becomes the same for you.
- Talking about the Champions League, this is now one of the big targets for Yanga having dominated the local season. Could we see Yanga do well in the Champions League next season?
- Yes, I think we can and we have all it takes to do well and even get to the final. Yanga is a big club and we can go all the way. We need to keep working and also a bit of luck on the way. We have a good management, we have a very good and passionate president who knows what to do and I believe they can take us to the next level.
- One of the striking images of Yanga is its passionate fan base. You have been a particular darling to them especially towards the end of the season. Does this inspire you as players?
- Yes, because when you hear the fans singing about you and praising you, it gives you that extra push to keep working because it is sweet and you always want them to be on your side. It is difficult when they are not on your side. On my end I just try to have fun on the pitch and they will be entertained. The Yanga fans really support the team. When we travel they are always at the airport in huge numbers receiving us. They are so passionate about football and that is what makes the game. Without the fans, there’s no game.
- You have been in Tanzania now for three seasons. What is the major difference between football there and back home?
- One of the biggest differences is investment. There, a lot of people have invested into football and teams are well financed. There are so many individuals as well as corporates which support football.
The other thing is the passionate fan base. People in Tanzania really love football and show up to watch and support no matter how far off you are from Dar es Salaam. An interesting thing is how they can decide to raise money in the stadium and offer to their favourite player. It just shows how much they are into the game.
Locally here, Shabana is really doing well to come up and they have supported the team in a great way this season. I am hoping Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards fans can also come back to the stadium and do the same that will be the start of lifting the status of the game here.
- Finally, looking at the new season, what are some of the targets you have put for yourself?
- Definitely doing better than I did last season, getting more goals, more assists. As a team definitely we want to defend our two titles and also do very well in the Champions League.
