George Kaddu: Vital Versatility Piece in Charles Okere’s Tactical Puzzle
When Tusker FC secured the signature of George Kaddu at the start of the season from Wakiso Giants in the Uganda Premier League, expectations were high. At 25 years old, Kaddu has quickly established himself as a vital player in Charles Okere’s tactical setup, excelling both defensively and offensively. He is predominantly a left-back but is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder (DM) and a left winger, showcasing his versatility and tactical intelligence.
Attacking Impact & Creativity
Kaddu has been a key figure in Tusker’s attacking play, particularly in creating opportunities from set pieces. He has created 17 chances from dead-ball situations, the highest in the team, with contributions from 2 corners, 1 free kick, and an astonishing 14 long throws. His ability to deliver dangerous balls into the box has been instrumental in Tusker’s attacking setups.
In open play, Kaddu has provided 5 key passes and registered 1 assist, proving his ability to connect the defense with the attack. His confidence in shooting is also remarkable—he leads the team in shots taken from outside the box (22), with 10 of them off target and 12 either on target or blocked. This highlights his willingness to take risks and contribute to goal-scoring opportunities.
One of Kaddu’s standout traits is his progressive play. He has attempted 35 progressive passes, the most on the team, completing 17, also the highest at Tusker. His ability to push the ball forward and initiate attacking sequences makes him a crucial link between the defense and the midfield.
When it comes to box involvement, Kaddu has registered 11 touches in the opposition box, ranking fourth behind Ryan Ogam (52), Shaphan Siwa (26), and Charles Momanyi (13). Additionally, his 4 box carries place him just behind Shaphan (8) and Ogam (10), further demonstrating his offensive contributions.
Kaddu's Defensive Contributions
Kaddu is not just an attacking asset; his defensive stats are equally impressive. He has made 24 interceptions, the most for Tusker this season, proving his awareness and ability to read the game. He has also won 7 tackles and lost 5, showing his capability in duels.
His aerial ability has been a major advantage for Tusker, contesting 20 aerial duels (three more than Momanyi) and winning 14 of them, an impressive 70% success rate. In terms of clearances, he ranks third in the squad with 53 clearances, behind only Momanyi (67) and Collins Odhiambo (60).
However, his aggressive style of play has led to some disciplinary challenges—Kaddu has committed 36 fouls, making him the second-most penalized player in Tusker behind Shaphan Siwa and David Odoyo (37 fouls each). He has also received 4 yellow cards and conceded 1 of the 4 penalties Tusker has given away this season.
The Long Throw Weapon
Perhaps Kaddu’s most unique contribution is his long throw-ins, a trait that has added a new dimension to Tusker’s attacking play. He has attempted an astonishing 103 long throws, creating 14 direct goal-scoring chances from them. This ability gives Tusker an extra attacking weapon, especially in set-piece situations.
Strengths: Kaddu’s versatility, ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, and set-piece expertise make him one of Tusker’s most valuable players. His progressive passing, aerial dominance, and long throws add depth to the team’s tactical approach under Charles Okere.
Weaknesses: His aggressive style, while effective, has led to disciplinary issues, with a high foul count and multiple yellow cards. Additionally, while he takes many shots, his accuracy from a distance needs improvement to convert more of his attempts into goals.
Overall, Kaddu is a vital piece in Tusker’s tactical puzzle, providing a balance between defense and attack. If he refines his decision-making in the final third and improves his discipline, he has the potential to be one of the most complete left-backs in the league and Africa in general.
Feature Image Credit: Tusker FC
