Kitende – The ebb and flow of player transfers in the Startimes Uganda Premier League have often dulled the emotional sting of facing former clubs. However, as Vipers SC prepare to host KCCA FC in a high-stakes clash at Kitende this Saturday, the spotlight will undoubtedly fall on Allan Okello. The dynamic midfielder is set to be a pivotal figure, reigniting the rivalry in a fixture steeped in history.
Okello isn’t alone in this narrative of shared loyalties. The Vipers’ lineup features seven players who have previously represented KCCA, with Okello and midfield maestro Moses Waiswa drawing the most attention. Both players once thrived under KCCA’s banner and now bolster Vipers’ quest for dominance.
KCCA, however, fields its own set of former Vipers talent. Goalkeeper Mutwalibi Mugolofa, defender Gavin Kizito, and midfielder Ashraf Mugume all honed their skills at St. Mary’s Kitende, the school intertwined with Vipers’ president Lawrence Mulindwa’s football empire. Mugume’s rise to KCCA’s senior squad mirrors the paths of Bright Anukani and Isa Mubiru, who have similarly switched allegiances.
Among these familiar faces, Okello stands as the most intriguing figure. This match marks his second confrontation with his former club since his departure at the start of last season—a move that left ripples in the KCCA camp. Club officials, including chairman Andrew Sserunjogi Mukiibi and patron Erias Lukwago, have expressed hopes that Okello might one day return to the fold.
For now, KCCA must reconcile with the reality of losing their once-prized playmaker. Okello’s move was driven by factors beyond football, with KCCA unable to accommodate his rehabilitation needs due to a lingering knee injury. This allowed Vipers, under the strategic vision of Mulindwa, to secure the player’s services.
Okello’s revival has been swift and decisive. Fans are once again witnessing flashes of brilliance reminiscent of his breakout 2017 debut when he netted a hat-trick against Onduparaka. Under the new leadership of coach John “Ayala” Luyinda, Okello has flourished. His growing synergy with Yunus Sentamu and Milton Karisa was evident in Vipers’ 2-0 victory over Wakiso, where the trio’s combination was key. His assist to Sentamu in their recent win over Mbarara has pushed Okello’s goal tally to five, placing him among the league’s top scorers.
As the clock ticks down to Saturday’s showdown, all eyes will be on Okello. Can he deliver a performance worthy of his pedigree and solidify Vipers’ claim to supremacy? The stage is set, and Kitende is ready for a clash that promises drama, emotion, and the rekindling of old rivalries.
