Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Uganda Cranes right back, Denis Okot Oola can best be described on two contrasting fronts.
Once on the field of play, he is as hard working as a female bee in a hive but so humbled like a cucumber off the playing arena.
Okot has gradually developed over the years and ranks among the finest right backs in the country at the moment.
In an exclusive interview, he reveals his meteoric rise to three key aspects – self belief, patience and diligence.
I have always believed in my abilities as a footballer and i never rest, i train at all times.
Indeed Okot has been diligent, patient and a believer throughout the clubs he has played for drawing inspiration from former Uganda Cranes right back, Simeon Masaba, now at Uganda Revenue Authority Football Club.
Denis Okot during one of the National Team’s training sessions
Simeon Masaba made me love the game. I loved his style of play and conduct on and off the field of play.
Like his role model, Okot has lived through the murky waters of severe tests and tribulations.
Switch in roles:
Originally, Okot never used to play the right back, but it took courage and determination to switch to his favorite position now.
I used to played in central defence and midfield. But one time, coach Mutebi tried me at right back and my life has never been the same ever since.
On December 1st 2015, Okot celebrated yet another career birth day, something he treasures to the brim meanwhile he continues with those enviable lung bursting runs down the right flank.
Born in Gulu district to Levi Oola and Christine Oyella, Okot who is also nick-named Djemba Djemba after the workaholic Cameroon international, is the fourth born in the family of six – only the second to play football in the entire lineage.
His other brother, Opio Clay features in the Gulu first Division League with Northern City F.C.
I am proud of my brother (Opio) because we are the only two football players in the family.
Like many sportsmen world over, Okot habours professional ambitions in his career.
I want to keep the focus and turn professional. It is my dream and i will continue to work for it everyday.
Okot is among the Uganda Cranes sqauds-men that will represent the country at the 2015 CECAFA championships in Ethiopia.
He ranks winning the 2015 CECAFA senior Challenge Cup with the Uganda Cranes, the 2013 Nile Basin tournament victory in Sudan with Sports Club Victoria University (SCVU) as his career highlights alongside guiding Uganda to the CHAN finals in Rwanda come the year, 2016.
He delivered the telling cross that Ceasar Okhuti met at the far post to hand Uganda the 14th CECAFA senior Challenge Cup title.
Profile:
Full Names: Denis Okot Oloola
Nick-Name: Djemba- Djemba
Date of Birth: 1st December 1990
Place of Birth: Gulu
Parents: Levi Oola and Christine Oyella
Family: 4th born of six
Education: Holy Rosary Nursey and Primary School (Gulu), Monsignor Bala S.S, Adjumani (S.1-S.3), Bishop Nankyama (S.4), Bishop Angelo (A-level)
Football Career: Northern City F.C (1st Division), Gulu United (FUFA Big league and Super Division – 2009 – 2011), SC Villa (2011-2012), SC Victoria University (2013/14), KCCA F.C (Currently)
Career Honours: Winner of 2015 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, Gold Medal winner with Nile Basin Tournament (2013), Regional Champion with Gulu United (2009), Qualifying for CHAN 2016 finals in Rwanda.
Toughest Opponent: Farouk Miya
Role Models: Dani Alves and Simeon Masaba
Best Foods: Millet Flour (Kalo) and Chicken
Drink: Passion Fruit Juice
