Onduparaka marksman Muhammed Shaban says his strike in the 1-0 victory over the Saints on Saturday was inspired by the award he received a day earlier.
The 20-year-old was a shock winner of the Fufa Male Player of the Year accolade on Friday ahead of huge favourites Dennis Onyango of Mamelodi Sundowns and Standard Liege’s Farouk Miya.
Shaban had something to say to critics that think he did not deserve the gong, with the Saints being the ultimate victims as he scored to earn Onduparaka their first ever away victory on their topflight debut season.
“I’m still shocked by the reward because I didn’t see it coming,” admitted the striker, “I played the match with determination and my teammates supported me.
“I was overjoyed to help my team get our first away win and we carry that confidence into the Tuesday match with Bul at our home ground.”
Shaban’s recognition on Friday came with a Toyota Altezza as the ultimate prize.
The youngster said his prize car will be unveiled to his fans in Arua on Tuesday and it will stay there with his dad as he is the one who processes a driving permit.
Onduparaka are enjoying a decent debut season so far. They have already beaten giants KCCA, Villa, Police and Vipers at the frightening Betway Green light stadium in Arua.
The West Nile side stand beautifully in fourth place with 21 points having won five matches in 13.
Shaban’s goal ensured he kept joint top-scorer with KCCA’s Geoffrey Sserunkuma on eight goals.