Ugandan international forward Emma Okwi has opted to go for trials in Italy instead of moving to South African side Orlando Pirates according to Simba Vice Chairman Geoffrey Nyaburu.
“The Ugandan striker will fly out in Italy on Monday, 2nd July”, said Nyaburu.
This cancels out the club’s Head of Communications Ezekiel Kamwaga’s statement last week that the former SC Villa forward was set to join Orlando Pirates. Kamwaga told South African Kick Off Magazine that the Ugandan had been given green lights to join Pirates but the two clubs were still yet to reach agreement. A few weeks ago, Simba SC Chairman Ismail Aden Rage told journalists in Dar el Salama that several clubs in Austria, England and Serbia came knocking on Simba doors in a rush for Okwi’s signature.
“We have recieved requests from various agents of European clubs all seeking to snatch Okwi and according to our policy, we will always be ready to listen to their offers”, said Rage before adding that the Tanzanian club has already attached a price tag of Tshs 2bn. Sources next to Okwi have confirmed the reports but also insisted that he will consider the Orlando Pirates offer after trying his luck in Europe.
However, it may be too little too late after South African champions yesterday confirmed six new additions to their side with reports indicating the door is closed according to Kick off.com, the country’s leading site.
The six signings announced by Pirates are Nigerian Onyekachi Okonkwo (Kharaitiyat SC, Qatar), Manti Maholo, Ayanda Gcaba (Free State Stars FC), Khethowakhe Masuku, Aubrey Ngoma (Black Leopards) and Patrick Phungwayo (Bidvest wits FC). In case Okwi succesfully joins paid ranks in Europe, he will join Ugandans Ibra Ssekagya (Austria) and Iceland duo of Tony Mawejje and Abel Dhaira. Kawowo sports will keep you posted.
