Fortebet Real Stars Awards: Okello Fails to Get His Match for June as Late Gongodyo Remembered

By Kayiira Jackson 

Uganda Cranes attacking midfielder Allan Okello has continued to reap the rewards of an outstanding debut season in Tanzania after being named the Fortebet Real Stars Footballer of the Month for June, following a string of match-winning performances for Young Africans SC (Yanga).

Okello, who played a pivotal role in guiding Yanga to a fourth consecutive Tanzanian Premier League title, earned the monthly accolade on Tuesday after producing a sensational end to the campaign.

The former Vipers SC star registered a hat-trick and an assist in Yanga’s title-clinching victory, capping off a remarkable June that cemented his place among the league’s standout performers.

The award marks Okello’s second consecutive Real Stars Monthly Award, underlining his consistency and growing influence since joining the Tanzanian giants. He concluded his debut league campaign with an impressive tally of 14 goals, making him one of Yanga’s most influential players throughout the season.

Although he was unable to attend Tuesday’s awards ceremony at Nanjing Restaurant in Kololo due to family commitments in Lira, a representative received the accolade on his behalf.

This time around, Okello was nominated alone since the organizers failed to get his match for the month of June due to his stellar performance in Tanzania.

The monthly awards, organised by Real Stars Sports Agency in partnership with Fortebet and Jude Colour Solutions, recognise Uganda’s best-performing athletes across various sporting disciplines.

Joining Okello on the winners’ list was boxer Ukasha Matovu, who claimed the boxing award after defeating Isaac Kasasa of Katabi Boxing Club by referee stoppage (RSC) in the second round of their light middleweight contest. Confident after his triumph, Matovu declared that he is ready to collect even more accolades in the months ahead.

In rugby, Yassin Wasswa of Buffaloes Rugby Club was recognised for his match-winning penalty that secured the Uganda Rugby Premiership title against Pirates Rugby Club, while rally driver Hassan Alwi, alongside navigator Musa Nsubuga, earned the motorsport award after a dominant victory in the Masaka Rally.

The ceremony also honoured the late Sydney Gongodyo for his immense contribution to Ugandan sport. Real Stars Sports Agency CEO Isaac Mukasa paid tribute to the fallen sports icon, stressing the importance of preserving his legacy for future generations, while representative from Pirates Rugby Club commended the organisers for recognising Gongodyo’s impact on Ugandan sport.