KCCA FC's first choice goalie Lukwago credits Benjamin Ochan for success
Charles Lukwago was an understudy to the departing goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan whose loyalty is now with Kabwe Warrior’s – the five time Zambia league champions he joined on a 3 year contract.
Lukwago’s growth curve between the sticks has been solid and plaudits have fallen in equal measure.
The laid back shot stopper though, owes a debt to Ochan.
He speaks of his former teammate as a great inspiration and motivator.
"I picked a lot of lessons from him," said the soft spoken player .
Lukwago said that Ochan’s selflessness also took him by surprise.
"I have never seen someone that has a heart of gold like Benjamin Ochan. We were competing against each other for the same spot but he would consistently motivate and guide me on being the best goal keeper- which is hard to find especially from a fellow competitor," Lukwago said.
With 7 clean sheets out of the 11 games recorded, Lukwago has won the heart of his coach Mike Mutebi’ .
“Lukwago is a fantastic goal keeper and currently he is the best goal keeper in the league .He brings calmness to the team and I am not surprised, he has been working hard and that’s what we expect from him” said Mutebi.
His last league outing is evident of that claim.
In Thursday's league match against SC Villa at Star Times Stadium, his reflexes from point blank range against a firing Sc Villa attack kept the score goalless before youngster Allan Okello’s sublime free kick won the 3 points at the death .
Little wonder, Lukwago walked away with the man of the match gong.
Lukwago's next big task is the return leg of the CAF champions league preliminary round at home to CNaps. The side from Madagascar won the 1st leg 2-1 in Antananarivo