Okello: Champions League good for my development
At 18, Allan Okello is one the youngest player in the Total CAF Champions League group stage. The young left footed player is already making headlines in his native Uganda and the continent at large with his exploits for Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA). The teenager has already has scored 16 goals for his club in the domestic league in Uganda during his two years with the capital-based club. Ahead of the ultimate Group A match between KCCA and Egyptian giants Al Ahly away in Alexandria, CAFOnline.com caught up with Okello for an interview egarding his career. Below are excerpts;
CAFOnline.com: Where did you start football career and what inspired you?
I have since graduated to the senior team of KCCA, where I remain a key player.
How was the transition from School to professional football?
The coaches are strict with us both on and off the pitch, and discipline has been very important for me. Also, the coaches in the junior team trust the young players who have been consistent in key matches.
I’m not scared of any player. As long as I have the ball, I will take you on because it’s always an advantage when you have the ball. I have played against some big players such as Hlompho Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns in the Total CAF Champions League, and it was a great experience.
Also, participating in the Total CAF Champions League has been good for my development. It gives you a feel of serious African football especially when you face big clubs like Al Ahly and Esperance, considered the big guns of African football.
Who is the toughest opponent you have played against?
The toughest is Franck Kom from Esperance. He was tough to all our players and he didn’t allow us space. On the domestic front, Vipers midfielder Tadeo Lwanga, and defender Geoffrey Wasswa have also given me some tough moments.
What is your most memorable moment?
It was in 2006, when I was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) when we won the school football championship. I scored five (5) goals in the tournament in beating our rivals Jinja SS in the final. For the CAF Champions League, it was against Malagasy side, CNaPS away in Antananarivo at the preliminary round. I was on the bench in what was a tensed game. We lost 2-1 and qualified but it was scary watching from the bench.
Another moment was when we beat El Masry 4-3 on penalties of Egypt at Ismailia in the 2017 Total CAF Confederation Cup. Also the encounter against Saint George of Ethiopia at the 1/16th round of the 2018 Total CAF Champions League was a tough game for us.
I haven’t scored many goals for KCCA but during my school days, I scored many wonder goals. I still have memories of the free-kick I scored against rivals SC Villa, which we won 1-0.
Where do you want to be in five years?
My dream is to play professional football in Europe, preferably in France or Spain. I’m working towards achieving this dream in five years.