Duke Abuya’s dream comes true at Nkana FC

After failing to achieve his dream with Kariobangi Sharks back in 2018, Kenyan international Duke Abuya is now leaving the dream over 2,500 kilometres away from home in Zambia.

From the first day the tenacious midfielder stepped into the pitch, he dreamed of rubbing shoulders with the big boys and playing in continental club football.

On Sunday, Abuya fulfilled his dream after Nkana FC sealed a place in the group stages of the CAF Champions League dispatching Moroccan cup champions Tihad Casablanca 3-2 on aggregate.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Abuya revealed his dream of one day playing in the Confederation Cup after coming close to the feat with Sharks but were ultimately eliminated by Ghanian giants Asante Kotoko.

“Being in the Confederations Cup is a good opportunity to explore more and gauge myself against the big boys in this industry. It is where I always craved to be and I really thank God he made things work out, it's been difficult getting here but nothing good comes easy.”

“It is a tough group but where we have come from was even tougher, if we bank on our home games we will qualify but again nothing comes easy we have to fight as a team especially as individuals,” said Abuya.

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Sharks put up a spirited fight in the First Round of the 2019-2020 Confederations Cup managing a 0-0 draw at home before losing 2-1 in the return leg staged at Kumasi, Ghana.

The former GFE 105 midfielder has proven his worth coming up against top-class opposition as he bagged a brace to upset Tanzania giants Yanga 3-2 in the SportPesa Cup and went ahead to bag the Golden Boot.

While in Morocco for the return leg against Tihad, Abuya took time to catch up with his former teammate at Sharks, Masud Juma who is now in the books of Difaa El Jadidi and also opened up on life ‘alone’ at Nkana with his compatriots Duncan Otieno and Harun Shakava leaving. 

“Masud, he is just been like a brother, we are always in touch and we have been like this for some time now and I wish him all the best at his new home."

“Everyone has his own path in this career, Shakava and Otieno welcomed me and showed me how it's done and I'm now doing it. Them leaving is for their own reasons and me being here is the same. At times it is hard since we are used to being around each other especially in training but that is that we have to move on in whichever situation we in,” he added.

Abuya will be one of only three Kenyans to play in the Confederations Cup this campaign joining David Owino and Shaban Odhoji of Napsa Stars.