AFC Leopards eye Ugandan CHAN star Allan Okello

AFC Leopards Secretary General, Isaac Mulindi, has confirmed the club is in talks with Ugandan striker Allan Okello, though he admits securing his signature will not be easy.

A proven goal scorer is one area the 12-time league champions have struggled with for years in their pursuit of a first league title since 1998. Mulindi says the club is determined to strengthen its striking force as a quick fix to end the long trophy drought.

Okello, 25, currently captains Vipers SC in Uganda and clinched the 2024/25 Ugandan Premier League Golden Boot after netting 19 goals. He has also been instrumental for the Uganda Cranes, helping them reach the CHAN 2024 quarterfinals.

Several clubs, including those from Europe, are reportedly chasing his signature, making Leopards’ task more difficult.

“Allan Okello is a wonderful, skillful, and experienced player. After careful assessment, we believe he fits perfectly into our plans at Leopards,” Mulindi said.

“When you watch him play, you don’t think twice about wanting him in your team. We are in the market for such talent—players who can help us achieve our goals.”

Okello on Monday scored the equalizer in Uganda’s dramatic 3–3 comeback against South Africa, a result that secured their place in the CHAN quarterfinals against Morocco. He is currently joint top scorer in the tournament with three goals, tied with Morocco’s Ousama Lamlioui and South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela.

However, Mulindi acknowledged the stiff competition Leopards face.

“Many of these players are attracting better opportunities abroad. We must first establish their willingness to play here. Leopards will not waste time negotiating with players who prefer to move overseas, no matter how talented they are,” he said.

Mulindi assured fans not to panic about rivals strengthening their squads.

“We want to steady the ship ahead of the new season, and I can assure our fans we are on the right track. Just give us time.”

Leopards’ newly elected office—Chairman Boniface Ambani, Secretary General Isaac Mulindi, and Treasurer Newton Mulindi—is keen to hit the ground running and restore the glory days of the club.