• The forward thanked his teammates for the encouragement they gave him during his lowest moment in life and thanked them for pushing above and beyond for a successful season.
• Luvanda said he felt devastated when Vihiga United were relegated from the top-flight stage.
Image: @TUSKERFC
On April 20, Tusker FC striker Lawrence Luvanda dedicated his goal in the Kenyan Premier League (FKFPL) game against Wazito FC to his late mother, Linnet Mmbone.
He had been out of action for some time owing to the setback that sent him into prolonged mourning. He bounced back from the tragedy emphatically in his first appearance for the Ruaraka-based Brewers.
Eric Otieno had fired the reigning champions ahead in the first minute, with Luvanda behind the assist. He would soon net the winning goal after being teed up by teammate Daniel Sakari.
“I dedicate the goal to my mother, and I wish she were still alive. Unfortunately, she is not, but I am pleased with the goal, which I dedicate to her,” Luvanda stated following the game.
The forward thanked his teammates for the encouragement they gave him during his lowest moment in life and thanked them for pushing above and beyond for a successful season.
“I am inspired because I have been training hard, and I have participated in many games since then,” Luvanda remarked.
“I’m happy that I was able to assist as well as score on this one because of the inspiration I got from teammates in the locker room I felt happy and inspired,” he continued.
The last born of four siblings ( two sisters and two brothers), Luvanda was born on December 20, 1999, in Hamisi, Vihiga county.
Luvanda’s exceptional talent in football saw him traverse three different high schools that jostled for his attention.
“I attended three high schools. I first went to a day school known as
Image: File
Gavudunyi Secondary, before transferring to Kigama High School. I later joined Chavakali High School, where I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations in 2018,” Luvanda said.
“It was renowned Kenyan football coach Alex Alumirah who persuaded me to join Kigama from Gavudunyi. He later asked me to follow him to Chavakali,” Luvanda added.
Even though his talent began showing during his formative years, it was only after he joined high school that he found the perfect stage to showcase his exploits on the pitch.
He had already made a name for himself after making the final list of players who were selected to represent Vihiga County at the national primary school ball games.
“At the primary school level, you had to fight individually for a slot in the county team that comprised players drawn from various schools in Vihiga,” Luvanda remarked.
“There was no room for any particular school to proceed to the higher levels of competition together as a team. There were no trophies awarded. I can recall receiving just certificates.”
Once in high school, he only managed to go as far as the regionals of the secondary school ball games while featuring for Vihiga High School.
“I never won any awards in high school as well,” he said.
Unknown to him, scouts who were deployed by KPL clubs were present at the school games scouring for raw talent. Among them was one holding brief for traditional topflight behemoths AFC Leopards.
“The club approached me when I was featuring for Chavakali at the school games in 2018. I was alerted of the presence of AFC Leopards scout at the games, who later introduced me to coach Gilbert Selebwa,” Luvanda remarked.
Image: @TUSKERFC
“I joined AFC Leopards in 2018 straight from high school. But I decided to leave shortly after because I was unhappy at the Den.”
His joy of sealing a deal with one of Kenya’s most revered football clubs was, however, short-lived after it dawned on him that he was still not ripe for first-team selection.
“I hardly secured playing time so no need to stay out of the matches for the rest of the season. I moved to Vihiga United on loan. Once my loan spell expired I decided to stay on and sign for the club,” Luvanda said.
Luvanda would later get sweet revenge when he scored the match-winner against his former club while featuring for Tusker during a hotly-contested KPL encounter.
“I got a lot of satisfaction when I scored against AFC and won the league in the same year, although our title was not recognised due to the politics that pitted FKF against the government-appointed Caretaker Committee,” Luvanda said.
Luvanda said he felt devastated when Vihiga United were relegated from the top-flight stage.
“Being relegated from the top tier with Vihiga United was my lowest moment in football,” Luvanda remarked.
Meanwhile, he lavished praise on his family for encouraging him to live his dream, especially his father Josphart Saina Manyego, and his mother, Mmbone.
“My parents encouraged me to play football. They always pushed me to achieve my dream. I can’t thank them enough for steering me to my current status,” Luvanda said.
“My mother always prayed that I get blessings in my endeavours.”
Image: @TUSKERFC
Image: @TUSKERFC
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Luvanda said he draws a lot of inspiration from retired Belgian footballer, Eden Hazard, who always set the bar for him.
He believes he has a whole future ahead of him and has set his sights on playing professional football abroad soon.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to grab a chance of playing in a foreign league. I’d be willing to join any team that would show interest in acquiring my signature as long as it has the appropriate leadership structures and players are treated with respect,” he said.
Luvanda also delved into his life away from football activities.
“During my free time, I prefer spending time with my family, watching movies, and listening to music,” he said.
He has already set his targets for the season. “My objective is to win the KPL. I intend to get more assists and goals to help the team achieve this goal,” he said.
“Just train hard and remain focused. You shouldn’t give up on your dreams and above all, always keep God first in what you do. Hard work and determination is the key to success."