Dar es Salaam — eigning champions Young Africans SC have completed a high-profile signing with the capture of Ugandan international midfielder Allan Okello, significantly bolstering their squad as they intensify pursuit of domestic and continental success.
Head Coach Pedro Goncalves had identified Okello as a priority target, prompting Yanga's management to engage in lengthy and demanding negotiations with Uganda's Vipers SC.
The deal was eventually sealed after the midfielder expressed a strong desire for a new challenge, playing a key role in finalising the move. Okello is said to have signed a two-and-a-halfyear contract with the Jangwani giants.
The former Vipers playmaker will, however, miss four groupstage matches in continental competition after having already featured for his previous club earlier in the campaign. Despite this limitation, Yanga remain confident that Okello's creativity, vision and top-level experience will add significant value to their midfield, particularly during the decisive stages of the season.
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Okello's arrival has also brought an end to Yanga's pursuit of Togolese midfielder Marouf Tchakei. A proposed loan move from Singida Black Stars collapsed due to squad balance considerations and foreign-player limitations, especially following recent reinforcements, including striker Leonardo Depu.
Tchakei is now expected to remain at Singida BS as Yanga focus on fully integrating Okello into Goncalves' tactical system.
Yanga are reported to have agreed to pay Vipers 300,000 US dollars in transfer fees for the player, who had six months remaining on his deal and will shell out more in signing-on fee and salary.
Elsewhere, Azam FC have also made moves in the transfer market, completing the signing of promising striker Aimar Hafidh Abubakar alias 'Haaland' from Zanzibar-based Mlandege FC. The Ice Cream Makers confirmed the deal through their official social media platforms, expressing delight at securing the young forward's services.
Aimar becomes Azam's first signing of the current transfer window, which officially opened on January 1. The striker earned his move to the Dar es Salaam giants after impressing with standout performances for Mlandege in the ongoing Mapinduzi Cup.
In another notable transfer development, Simba SC attacking midfielder Awesu Awesu has been officially unveiled as a new Kenya Police FC player.
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Awesu has joined the Kenyan champions on a six-month loan deal aimed at securing regular playing time and accelerating his development. Simba believe the move will provide Awesu with valuable competitive exposure, while Kenya Police FC expect the midfielder to add quality and depth as they push to defend their league title.
Fans across the region will now be keenly watching to see how these new signings make their mark in the weeks ahead.
