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The Kenyan midfielder stared for Singida in the Ngao Ya Jamii tie against Simba while compatriot Joash Onyango was missing against his former team
Harambee Stars midfielder Duke Abuya is upbeat after his competitive debt for Singida Fountain Gate FC ended in a post-match penalty defeat to Simba Sc in the Community Shield on Thursday evening.
Abuya started in midfield for Hans Van Der Plujim’s side and put in a good performance in the encounter, popularly known as Ngao Ya Jamii, as both sides played out a goalless draw before Simba won 4-2 on post-match shootouts.
The midfielder, who joined the club from Kenya Police FC last month, left a good impression as Simba found it hard to bypass the Singida midfield and he is delighted with the lessons picked from the match.
“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely. #WITHGOD TOMORROW WE TRY AGAIN,” Abuya posted on social media.
Abuya’s Kenyan compatriot Joash Onyango, however, did not feature in the match with the club yet to give an update over his availability, despite confirming earlier on Thursday that he will be involved against his former side Simba who he ditched last month after three years in Dar es Salaam.
Van Der Plujim lauded his side for a good performance but blamed the defeat on lack of confidence, especially on the penalties.
“Some players did not want to take the penalties and you could see some confidence was lacking in the penalties. But in general, the team has done very well and this is important situation to build on for the Premier League and international competitions. I am happy wit the performance,” said the Dutch coach.
Following the win, Simba will now take on bitter rivals Yanga in the final on August 13 while Singida take on Azam in the third-place playoff on the same day.
Abuya will be hoping to carry the lessons learnt into the new season when Singida start their Tanzania Premier League campaign against Tanzania Prisons on August 22.
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