LUGOGO – KCCA FC forward Allan Okello is the inaugural winner of the 256 Footballer of the year award.
This was confirmed on Monday as the left-footed Cranes youngster was handed his accolade at the StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo.
The 19-year-old beat off close competition from Juma Balinya who top-scored in the Uganda Premier League last season.
The award commemorates the first annual anniversary of football-256, an online portal football news.
Okello has had a great 2019, winning the Uganda Premier League, CECAFA Club Championship and FUFA Super Cup.
Speaking after winning the award, Okello thanked everyone who voted for him and clarified that he wasnt to win it again next year.
“It’s a great feeling and honour for me to win the inaugural award, said Okello.
“I want to thank everyone who has voted for me, and I would like to win it also next year.”
The award comes barely a day after Okello made his senior national team debut for the Uganda Cranes.
He was a second half substitute and made instant impact as the KCCA FC forward set-up Fahad Bayo for the second goal in the 2-0 victory over Malawi on Sunday.
The voting for the award process lasted weeks through an online setting.
To win it, Okello got 45,826 votes, Juma Balinya closely followed with 36894 votes.
Patrick Kaddu was third with 9850, Denis Onyango and Timothy Awany collected 3620 and 1972 respectively.