Dar es Salaam. Yanga SC’s pursuit of Ugandan midfielder Allan Okello has intensified, with the club making a high-profile push to acquire the talented playmaker from Vipers SC.
The negotiations have been anything but straightforward, with Yanga’s president, Eng. Hersi Said, travelling personally to Uganda to meet Vipers president Lawrence Mulindwa in a bid to finalise the deal.
Okello, who has excelled both at Vipers and for the Uganda national team, recently impressed during the CHAN tournament and the Africa Cup of Nations, even though Uganda exited at the group stages.
His performances have highlighted his technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball, attributes that make him a coveted attacking midfielder in East Africa.
Financially, Yanga initially offered $50,000 (approx. Sh124 million), which was rejected, before doubling the offer to $100,000 (Sh248 million), only for Vipers to still turn it down.
These refusals underscore the urgency Yanga feels to strengthen their squad with a player of Okello’s calibre.
From a tactical standpoint, Okello’s arrival would provide Yanga with a creative spark in the number 10 role.
Head coach Pablo Goncalves has been seeking a technically gifted midfielder capable of linking play, breaking defensive lines, and providing assist responsibilities Okello has demonstrated repeatedly at Vipers, where he has contributed three goals and three assists in just 11 league matches this season.
His ability to operate between the lines, coupled with intelligent movement, could allow Yanga to transition more effectively from defence to attack, creating more goal-scoring opportunities for forwards.
This would be particularly important if the club intends to move on from Mamadou Doumbia, whose impact has been below expectations this season.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Okello brings experience at the international level.
Having represented Uganda in major regional competitions, he is accustomed to high-pressure situations, which could prove invaluable for Yanga in domestic and continental tournaments.
Okello’s mentality also seems aligned with Yanga’s ambitions. According to sources, the midfielder respects Vipers but is eager for a new challenge.
His willingness to embrace change and adapt to a new environment could enhance Yanga’s squad dynamics, inspiring younger players and increasing competition for starting spots.
The strategic advantage for Yanga goes beyond skills.
Okello’s arrival could elevate the team’s attacking fluidity, offering Goncalves a player who can dictate tempo, unlock stubborn defences, and provide that final pass to turn chances into goals.
His dribbling, vision, and set-piece ability could also add variety to Yanga’s offensive options.
In tight matches, having a midfielder capable of creating something from nothing is often the difference between a win and a draw.
Okello’s chemistry with new teammates could be crucial. His experience with high-tempo football in Uganda means he is likely to adapt quickly to the demands of Tanzanian top-flight football, enhancing Yanga’s midfield cohesion and link-up play.
Defensively, Okello contributes by pressing intelligently and tracking back when needed, providing balance to a side that can sometimes be vulnerable when attacking.
This work rate ensures he is not just an offensive asset but a team player across the pitch.
Financially, finalising his transfer could be a bargain for Yanga in the medium term.
With a reportedly agreed two-and-a-half-year deal and a salary triple what he earns at Vipers, the club would secure a player in his prime at a cost that could pay off both on the pitch and potentially in resale value.
His presence could also boost Yanga’s marketability and fan engagement.
Signing a player of Okello’s profile, especially one who has generated attention in Uganda and across East Africa, can raise the club’s profile and attract new supporters.
Tactically, Goncalves could deploy Okello in a free-roaming role behind the striker, allowing him to exploit pockets of space, combine with wingers, and influence the game centrally and in wide areas.
This versatility would give Yanga more tactical flexibility against different opponents.
In summary, Allan Okello’s signing would bring technical skill, creativity, international experience, work ethic, and squad depth to Yanga SC.
His ability to link play, create chances, and contribute both goals and assists makes him an ideal candidate to revitalise the club’s midfield and support their ambition to dominate domestically and in African competitions.
If the deal goes through, Yanga would not only gain a top-tier attacking midfielder but also a player with the vision, skill, and mentality to become a key figure in their project for the coming seasons.
