If there was ever a time to grasp the nettle and stare adversity in the face, then the coming days in Morocco must be it for Timothy Awany.
As Uganda Cranes brace for a bruising Afcon Group C campaign against Tunisia, Tanzania and Nigeria, the versatile defender finds himself at a defining crossroads – one that demands the full measure of his innate bravery, resolve and belief.
Awany’s immediate challenge is footballing and brutally straightforward: breaking into Paul Put’s preferred central defensive pairing of Elio Caprodossi and Jordan Obita.
The Romanian-based Caprodossi and Scotland’s Obita have, by both pedigree and recent minutes, emerged as the coach’s trusted axis. For Awany, that reality alone makes the road to a starting shirt steep and unforgiving.
Career shock
Yet the obstacles do not end on the pitch. Hanging heavily over his Afcon journey was the reported threat from his Israeli club, FC Ashdod, allegedly warning him against honouring a national team call-up.
The issue, revealed by Uganda Cranes media officer Paul Mukatabala, was part of a wider controversy that also involved Melvyn Lorenzen of Thailand’s Muangthong United.
According to Mukatabala, both clubs reportedly threatened to terminate their players’ contracts should they travel for Afcon 2025, despite Fifa directives mandating the release of players for international duty.
It is difficult to quantify the psychological toll of such pressure, but only Awany knows how deeply it cut.
Faithful servant
For about 10 years, since his breakout at KCCA under Abdallah Mubiru and his rise as arguably the most reliable domestic defender during Mike Mutebi’s illustrious reign, Awany symbolised hope.
He was widely tipped to become the defensive bedrock of the Cranes for years to come. Injuries, stiff competition and unforeseen setbacks, however, have conspired to stall that prophecy.
Some have even written him off as a ‘past sale date’ defender – a harsh verdict that now begs a response.
As fate would have it, Awany reportedly lost his father, adding personal grief to an already testing chapter. Morocco, then, offers not just a footballing test but an emotional one – a stage to channel sorrow into strength.
Tight slots battle
The battle for defensive slots is ferocious. Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion), Caprodossi and Obita bring advanced European experience and tactical refinement.
Meanwhile, Rogers Torach and Hilary Mukundane of Vipers arrive hungry, buoyed by a strong June Chan Cranes showing and the evident trust of Put. That combination renders Awany’s playing time perilously uncertain.
Still, to doubt his fighter’s character would be folly. When fit, focused and in the right frame of mind, Awany remains a commanding presence.
Once christened ‘John Latigo’ by Mutebi – a nod to a legendary Cranes defender famed for versatility, leadership and robustness – this is the moment for Awany to summon that identity.
For once, it truly feels like a make-or-break moment. Morocco may yet decide whether Timothy Awany’s story is one of quiet fade-out or stirring renewal.
Uganda Cranes defenders
Toby Sibbick – Burton Albion
Elio Caprodossi – Universitatea Cluj
Jordan Obita – Hibernian
Rogers Torach – Vipers
Kenneth Semakula – Al-Adalah
Abdu Azizi Kayondo – Slovan Liberec
Isaac Muleme – Viktoria Žižkov
Timothy Awany – Ashdod
Hilary Mukundane – Vipers