Francis Olaki's star continues to rise

By Fred Kaweesi

WHEN one star shines so bright, there is a danger of it blinding you to the presence of others. This is, especially if both stars beam from one focal point.

Emmanuel Okwi might have grabbed all the headlines in recent months for his impressive run with the Cranes. 

But equally impressive has been his younger brother Francis Olaki. The Soana striker is enjoying a fine spell of form and if anything, could be the next biggest thing in Ugandan football.

Despite snatching three goals in Soana’s first two opening games of the season, Olaki announced himself ‘loud and clear’ last Friday when he guided the league debutantes to a 2-1 win over KCCA FC with a well-taken double.

After the home side had taken the lead through a Richard Ssenyonjo own goal, Olaki put his side level before snatching the winner to push his goals tally to three.

Although Olaki also missed a penalty in the same game, the neutrals will look to the positives and appreciate the youngster as a rough diamond.

Okwi is definitely a better player, but Olaki will get to his brother’s level if he keeps making progress. Under, Coach Richard Makumbi, Olaki is playing a central role for the club and will continue there through the season if fit and injury free.  He has good pace and eye for goal.

Like Okwi, Olaki also runs through the channels brilliantly. His slender frame enables him twist and turn quickly, drive away from opponents in confined spaces.

He has wonderful dribbling skills and is also effective playing in the wide areas. The key is pairing him with the correct full-back. He drifts into the centre of the pitch so quickly that he needs someone constantly overlapping to stretch the opposition, and widen the options for him going forward.

In short, Olaki is a star in the making!