An all-smiles Tijani Muntasir (right) receives Allan Okello's jersey at the St Mary's Stadium, Kitende

Overview:

Tijani Muntasir is currently in Grade 12 class at the International School of Uganda. He is also a keen footballer registered with Lubowa based Olympia Sports Academy.

For every other day of his life, Tijani Muntasir has been yearning for that golden opportunity to come face-to-face with his role-model Allan Okello, a specially talented Vipers and Uganda Cranes player.

The 12-year-old Sudanese-American beamed ear-to-ear when he finally met Okello at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

This was on Sunday, 2nd March 2025 moments after the Vipers’ 1-0 home win over Mbarara City in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League.

Allan Okello with Tijani Muntasir at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende

In this match, Okello scored the all-important goal, a well struck penalty on the 64th minute, his 14th of the season in the league.

Throughout the match, Tijani kept cheering every move for his beloved club, Vipers, and at the end of the match he stood besides players’ tunnel as he pleaded for Okello’s shirt.

Luckily, Okello handed over the treasured shirt 10, much to the delight of the youngster.

“I am very happy to get Allan Okello’s shirt. I love him so much. I will keep this shirt forever” Tijani who was accompanied by the mother Kelly Fish revealed.

A smiling Tijani Muntasir

Tijani is currently in Grade 12 class at the International School of Uganda.

He is also a keen footballer registered with Lubowa based Olympia Sports Academy.

His mother Kelly boldly admits the son’s staunch addiction for football and promises to support his journey.

“He (Tijani) loves football so much. He plays at Olympia Sports Academy and I am more than to support his career growth” Kelly, a United States of America citizen testifies.

Tijani started following Vipers with passion in 2023 and he watches most of their home matches.

He is primed to maintain training as he improves his skills to become a true successful professional footballer.

David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports where he covers most of the major events.

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