Tito Okello: Gor is the greatest club in East Africa
New Gor Mahia striker Tito Okello poses for photos after signing a two-year deal with the Kenyan champions in Nairobi on August 26, 2020.
What you need to know:
- Okello joined the Kenyan champions from Uganda’s Vipers Sports Club on a two-year deal on Wednesday.
- The deadlocked forward is expected to partner Nicholas Kipkirui upfront next season.
- Muguna's future at the club is still unresolved.
Ugandan striker Tito Okello believes that Gor Mahia is the greatest club in East Africa.
Okello joined the Kenyan champions from Uganda’s Vipers Sports Club on a two-year deal on Wednesday.
“It is humbling to join the greatest club in East Africa. I will not rest since I am aware of the task in my midst,” Okello is quoted as saying by Kawowo Sports.
Okello, viewed as a direct replacement for countryman Juma Balinya who left Gor Mahia on Tuesday for Ugandan giants KCCA, joins a long list of Ugandan players who have played for the Green Army.
Baba Kizito, Israel Emuge, Ivan Anguyo, Godfrey Walusimbi, Jimmy Bageya, Dan Sserunkuma, Khalid Aucho, Erisa Ssekisambu, Shafiq Batambuze, Hashim Ssempala among others have all played for the 19-time Kenyan champions in the recent past.
"The club signed Okello on a two-year contract and more signings are expected in the near future," an official, who is not authorised to speak to the press on behalf of the club, told Nation Sport.
The deadlocked forward is expected to partner Nicholas Kipkirui upfront next season. Gor will be seeking to retain the title for a sixth straight year despite losing key players in this window.
Harambee Stars defender Joash Onyango (Simba SC), Boniface Omondi and goalkeeper Peter Odhiambo (both Wazito), Tanzanian duo of David Mapigano (Azam) and Dickson Ambudo (Dodoma Jiji FC) have all ditched Gor in this window.
Okello left Vipers – the reigning Ugandan champions – after failing to reach an agreement on contract extension with the club.
The striker thanked Vipers for the time he played for them and wished them well in the Caf Champions League matches next season.
“I would like to thank the club’s President Lawrence Mulindwa, the management, and the technical staff and above all the fans of Vipers for the great love, care and respect rendered to me during my two years at St. Marys Kitende. I wish the club all the best in the Caf Champions League and the UPL next season," Okello posted on his social media account.
Apart from Vipers, the lanky forward has also had stints with Tanzania’s African Lyon, Mbeya City FC, KCCA and Hong Kong side Benfica Makau.
Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna's future at the club is still uncertain while Ghanaian midfielder Jackson Owusu’s six-month deal has also expired.
