kukaba

How to say it

Meaning

In football, to challenge an opponent to win the ball or to stay close to him so he cannot play. Its older sense is to seize someone by the throat, as muggers do.

Good to know

Takes the opponent as object: alimkaba mshambuliaji, he marked the striker; kiungo wa kukaba is a defensive midfielder. Kukaba koo is to grab someone by the throat.

Examples

• Beki alimkaba mshambuliaji muda wote wa mchezo.The defender marked the striker for the whole game.
• Kiungo huyo anajua kukaba na kupiga pasi.That midfielder knows how to tackle and pass.
• Wezi walimkaba koo na kumnyang'anya simu.The thieves grabbed him by the throat and snatched his phone.

Forms

kaba