Allan ‘Jolly’ Okello is a young promising talented left footed footballer.
Born and risen in the northern town of Lira, the 16 year old Okello found his way to Kampala aged 13 to study at the football power house, Kibuli S.S following the death of his biological father, Patrick Ojom in the year 2012.
Now in senior three, Okello recalls vividly how he made the journey.
I came to Kampala to study after being spotted from Lira
For his exceptional skills on the ball, the diminutive silky dribbling midfielder carries a demi-god status at the historical footballing school.
I always find myself the center of attraction by all the students at school but I am getting used and no longer feel the pressure
Allan loves to attend classes because he has a dream of becoming a professional engineer in the tomorrow years.
He loves to attend Swahili lessons, that comes by coincidence that the tutor, Hassan Tembo teaches the subject.
Allan Okello receives his Airtel Rising Stars MVP rewards in Gulu
Allan also dreams of balancing the football talent with education and anticipates to turning professional one day in his life.
The reigning Airtel Rising Stars northern region Most Valuable Player of 2015 notes;
I want to be like my role models Geofrey Massa (current Uganda Cranes captain), Xavi and Ozil. They really inspire me to play football up to a professional stage
To Okello, his dreams will surpass the skies once the right mentoring and guidance befalls his awesome talent.
Patrick Bongo, his coach at Destiny Academy in Lira acknowledges, many young talented footballers in the mould of Okello need to be shown the right sense of direction to succeed in life.
Quick facts:
Full Names: Allan Okello
Nick Name: Jolly
Date of Birth: 28th December 1999
Parents: Patrick Ojom (Deceased) & Joan Agomu
Place of Birth: Lira Town
Education: St Kizito Nursery and Primay School, Kibuli S.S (Now in S.3)
Strong Foot: Left
Inspired by: Bob Obira, former footballer with Boroboro F.C, KCCA F.C & Express F.C
Best Subject: Swahili
Best Teacher: Hassan Tembo
Football Success: Winner National Post Primary Championship with Kibuli S.S (2014), Winner – ARS Northern Region (With Lira’s Destiny Sports Academy )
Role Models: Geofrey Massa and Stephen Bengo (in Uganda), Ozil and Xavi (Elsewhere)