It may have been a long time coming for Doko Golike Dany, but the Cameroonian winger is happy to finally have the chance to make a name for himself in the UAAP.
Against the University of Santo Tomas last Thursday at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, the 20-year-old converted a penalty that helped the Adamson Soaring Falcons secure their first point in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament.
While lost time can never be recovered, there is always a chance to set things right — and the Marketing Management student has started on that path.
“Yeah, I was supposed to play last season but, like, last two days before the UAAP, I had problems with some of my documents, so I couldn’t play,” said Dany.
“So I was really frustrated because I felt I was really ready for the UAAP. Fortunately, this year, I could help my teammates. But that’s why this season, I want to give everything. So, I want to make this plan to go in the Final Four.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Doko’s journey to the Philippines began when his compatriot and current Adamson head coach, Darlton Digha, asked him if he wanted to try his luck in Manila, since they both came from the same place.
Adjusting to a new environment was not easy, but Doko is grateful to have Digha guiding him through life in the Philippines and the challenges of the UAAP. Beyond that, he appreciates the opportunity to finally play in such a prestigious competition after hearing so much about it.
“So, for me, it’s really nice, because he understands me,” said Digha. “We have some difficult moments, but we always thought it out, so it’s really good to have someone that you can understand.
“For me, it’s a very good opportunity to show (what I can do). I’ve heard to a lot about the UAAP so I wanted to experience it also (and) see how they played. That’s why I want to experience it and continue (moving) forward.”
Getting on the scoresheet is one thing; becoming a consistent goalscorer in the UAAP is another.
Doko admits he still has a long way to go before he can truly be the Soaring Falcons’ main man — the one who could finally lead them to a Final Four appearance.
Still, the signs are there that he has the potential to trouble opposing defenses once he fully adjusts to his teammates and the tactical system that Digha and his staff have set.
“Yeah, especially with the team system, it was very difficult, because from the team I’m coming from, in my country, it’s very different,” he said.
“So I really need to adapt to my position then I switch to many positions, that’s why.”
