Ivan Okello, who plays as a center back for Blacks Power Football club (formerly Bukedea Town Council FC) is by far one of the best defenders in the FUFA Big League.
And while attacking players like Maduka Innocent and Siwu Michael understandably dominate the goal-and-assists charts, no centre-back can match Okello’s tackling and deadly ball clearance in the league.
Although some will still argue against his ability, and his output on the ground is in need of improvement, Okello is statistically the best centre-back in the league when it comes to aerial duels.
And the breakdown of Okello’s aerial prowess makes for interesting reading. Going up for corners and other set pieces, Okello has won 15 aerial duels in the opposition box this season, more than he has in any other area of the pitch. That he has only lost three aerial duels in the opposition box is also impressive, boosting his chances of scoring from a corner or flicking the ball on, particularly with the likes of Siwu Michael whipping crosses into dangerous areas.
When staying central, just inside his own half, Okello has won all 10 of his aerial duels this season, while it is also a 100% success rate when moving over to the right.
Okello, who featured in Lango subregion for the Cranes Na Mutima game has only missed one league game (First league game against Arua Hill in Arua) for Blacks Power due to other engagements.
With support from his fellow centre backs, John Omagor, Solomon Opolot and Emmanuel Odur, the Lango Province (FUFA Drum) captain is enjoying his game like never before.
Before joining Blacks Power, Okello played for Lira United until 2017 when the team was dissolved due to some factors by the club president.
He later joined Amuka Bright Stars in 2018. When Amuka got relegated to the regional league, Okello signed for Blacks Power in 2020.
