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Jaba KankavaGeorgian footballer, midfielder
Date of Birth: 18.03.1986
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- Early Life and Professional Debut
- Journey through Ukrainian Clubs
- Heroism and Return to Dnipro
- French Experience and Move to Kazakhstan
- International Career
- Playing Style and Achievements
- Throughout his career, Kankava has achieved the following titles:
- - UEFA Europa League Finalist: 2014/15 (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk)
Early Life and Professional Debut
Jaba Kankava, a Georgian footballer, is currently a midfielder for the Kazakhstan club Tobol and captain of the Georgian national team. Born in Tbilisi, he was trained at the football school of Dynamo Tbilisi.
In 2004, Kankava gained recognition while playing for his hometown club Dynamo Tbilisi. He scored a crucial goal against Slavia Prague in the UEFA Cup group stage, helping his team earn a spot in the competition. Soon after, he made his debut for the Georgian national team in a World Cup qualifying match against Albania.
Journey through Ukrainian Clubs
In February 2005, Kankava moved to Alania Vladikavkaz. Following a brief stint there, he joined Arsenal Kyiv in Ukraine. He debuted in the Ukrainian Premier League in 2006 and later transferred to Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, becoming their first signing during the winter break.
Heroism and Return to Dnipro
Kankava's exemplary character was showcased in 2014 during a match against Dynamo Kyiv. When Dynamo captain Oleg Gusev suffered a severe head injury, Kankava instinctively provided first aid, saving his life. For this act of bravery, he was awarded the Badge of Honor from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
After being loaned out to Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, Kankava returned to Dnipro in 2012. He played a significant role in their success, helping them finish as runners-up in the 2013/14 Ukrainian Premier League and reach the final of the UEFA Europa League.
French Experience and Move to Kazakhstan
In 2015, Kankava signed a four-year contract with Reims in the French Ligue 1 after spending eight years with Dnipro. However, Reims relegated to Ligue 2 the following season, and Kankava experienced psychological difficulties.
In 2017, he joined Tobol Kostanay in Kazakhstan. There, he played alongside his compatriot Nika Kvekveskiri, forming a strong midfield partnership. Kankava's contributions helped Tobol win the bronze medal in the 2018 Kazakhstan Premier League.
International Career
As captain of the Georgian national team, Kankava has played a pivotal role in their recent success. In the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League D, Georgia won their group with four consecutive clean sheets, earning promotion to League C. Kankava scored two goals during the campaign.
Playing Style and Achievements
Ukrainian journalist Viktor Khokhlyuk described Kankava as "an athletic, determined, and technical midfielder who is reliable in defense, has excellent vision, and can interact well with his teammates. He possesses an accurate pass and a well-executed shot."
Throughout his career, Kankava has achieved the following titles:
- Georgian Premier League Champion: 2004/05 (Dynamo Tbilisi)- Ukrainian Premier League Silver Medalist: 2013/14 (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk)
- Ukrainian Premier League Bronze Medalist: 2014/15 (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk)
