Otandeka finds her feet in Puerto Rico

Laki Otandeka Kanyesigye is settling in fast in Puerto Rico. Just a week after joining Coamo FC, the Crested Cranes forward has already scored three goals in two games, giving Las Nenas de la Furia an instant attacking lift.

But beyond the goals, Otandeka is enjoying the challenge. “I’m still adjusting. This is my second game, but the league is very interesting,” she said after Coamo’s duel with Puerto Rico Surf.

The seven-cap Uganda international admitted Coamo were rattled after conceding early. “The first half was a bit tough. We were maybe a little shook because we got scored on early. But after we tied it up, 1-1, everything got a little bit settled.”

Coamo fell behind again, before Otandeka restored parity at 2-2. “Scoring that tying goal to make it 2-2 felt amazing, especially in front of our home crowd,” she said.

The goal was not only about the scoreline. The home crowd gave Coamo the push it needed. “Having the support behind us was really nice. I felt like it gave us some momentum until the rest happened.”

Otandeka has also been struck by the support women’s football receives in Puerto Rico. “We have family, friends and significant others coming to support. It felt really good to have not just the XI on the field, but people in the stands also supporting us.”

Having played in England, the United States, Turkey and Lithuania, Otandeka knows what it takes to adapt to a new football environment.

Still, she believes the Puerto Rican league offers its own challenge. “There are strong teams. There are some teams that are not as strong, but for the most part, we all have dangerous players and anything can happen.”

That unpredictability has only whetted her appetite. “I’m excited to see how this season plays out. But for us, to keep winning. I would like to see us at the top of the league.”

Coamo may have suffered a setback, but Otandeka is not pressing the panic button. “I know this is a minor setback. But hopefully, stay tuned, and we’ll keep pushing forward.”

So far, she has done exactly that. Three goals in two games is a fast start for a player still finding her feet in a new country.

And with Coamo’s senior side backed by an U17 team and grassroots academies, Otandeka has landed at a club keen to build a strong women’s football pathway.

Who is Laki Otandeka Kanyesigye?

Laki Otandeka Kanyesigye was born on 24th January, a third-born in the family of Ambassador Duncan Muhumuza Laki of Uganda’s Mission in New York and Doctor Catherine Muhumuza who works at Nemours Hospital in New York, is a talented and agile footballer with quick feet and fancy dribbles.

Personal Details

Club: Coamo FC
Dominant Hand: Right
Prim. Position: Left FWD
Sec. Position: Center FWD

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