OPINION: Allan Okello, Mustafa Kizza ought to make it count this time around

The words of cycling legend Lance Armstrong resonate loudly today: “If you ever get a second chance for something, you’ve got to go all the way.”

The Ugandan transfer window closed last Thursday, marking the dramatic signings of two prodigious players.

Allan Okello, the notable KCCA FC prodigy, now joins Vipers SC on a three-year deal, while his close friend and former teammate, Mustafa Kizza, makes his return to his boyhood club, KCCA FC, on a two-year contract.

Both Okello and Kizza are esteemed products of the KCCA FC youth system, a program responsible for cultivating numerous talents.

Including the current KCCA FC captain Julius Poloto and his assistant Filbert Obenchan, goalkeeper Ali Mwerusi, and Steven Sserwada, all sculpted under the meticulous gaze of former head coach Mike Mutebi.

Allan Okello’s 2017 KCCA FC debut remains iconic, where his hat-trick and an assist in the 7-0 victory against Onduparaka are still discussed among the topflight football circles of Uganda.

By 2020, Okello had tallied 113 appearances and delivered stellar performances for KCCA FC, which culminated in his four-year contract with Algerian topflight side Paradou AC.

However, his stint in Algeria was marred by challenges, including a language barrier and culture shock, leading to his return to KCCA FC and eventually a move to Vipers SC.

Mustafa Kizza’s journey parallels Okello’s. He joined MLS side Montreal Impact in December 2021, only to return a year later.

Subsequent challenges followed in his stint with Portuguese topflight side FC Arouca, eventually leading to his return to KCCA FC.

Despite their professional challenges, both players are back in a familiar terrain, in a league where they first earned their stripes.

It’s an opportunity for redemption and a second chance to reaffirm their potential.

They need to harness this chance, strive for excellence, and perhaps, open doors to more prosperous professional opportunities in the future.

They have a chance to make it count, to rise again, and to possibly exceed their previous peaks.