Allan Okello named Fortebet Real Stars player of the Month for June
Okello scored 14 league goals during the season, playing a key role in guiding Yanga to the Tanzanian Premier League title.
Rugby winner Yasin Wasswa (left) and boxing winner Ukasha Matovu (second left) pose with Annita Naluswata, who represented Allan Okello, and Julius Kafuluma, who represented Hassan Alui, at the awards ceremony. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
Uganda Cranes forward Allan Okello has been named the Fortebet Real Stars Football Player of the Month for June, following an outstanding campaign with Tanzanian champions Young Africans (Yanga).
Okello scored 14 league goals during the season, playing a key role in guiding Yanga to the Tanzanian Premier League title. He was represented at the awards ceremony at Nanjing Restaurant in Kololo by his relative, Annita Naluswata.
Fortebet Real Stars Awards director Isaac Mukasa said Okello was the unanimous choice after judges assessed performances across the region.
"The whole country is proud of Okello's outstanding performance in Tanzania, where he has established himself as one of the league's top stars. We congratulate him and believe this recognition will motivate him to achieve even more," Mukasa said.
In motorsport, rally driver Hassan Alui and co-driver Musa Nsubuga were crowned June winners following their victory in the KCB Masaka Greater Region Rally, held on June 19–20. The win earned the crew their second Fortebet Real Stars Award, having previously won after the Mbale Rally in March. They edged Duncan Mubiru and Jonas Kansime to the monthly honour.
Stanbic Pirates Rugby Club manager Isaac Kimeze (second left) receives the Sydney Gongodyo commemorative plaque from Fortebet Real Stars officials. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
Rugby honors went to Toyota Buffaloes fullback Yasin Wasswa, whose consistent performances helped his club reach the Nile Special Rugby Premiership final for the first time. Wasswa was praised for his accurate goal-kicking, particularly his penalty conversions during Buffaloes' dramatic semifinal victory over Stanbic Pirates at Kings Park, Bweyogerere, which secured the club's historic place in the final.
In boxing, COPAB Club light-middleweight (71kg) boxer Ukasha Matovu, popularly known as "Morocco Ukasha Lee," emerged as the June winner, beating Emily Nakalema and Kato Kazibwe to the award.
During the ceremony, the Fortebet Real Stars Awards, together with sponsors Fortebet and Jude Color Solutions, paid tribute to the late rugby player Sydney Gongodyo by presenting a commemorative plaque to his club, Stanbic Pirates.
Mukasa condemned the mob violence that claimed Gongodyo's life and said the award was intended to preserve his legacy. "We strongly condemn the mob justice that led to the death of our national rugby player. We hope this plaque will help keep his memory alive within the club," he said.
The plaque was received by Stanbic Pirates team manager Isaac Kimeze after a moment of silence in honour of the fallen player.
The Fortebet Real Stars Awards are presented monthly to recognize outstanding athletes across various sporting disciplines in Uganda.