Ochan’s Celtic move takes off
Sep 14, 2009
BENJAMIN Ochan has a documented reputation of rescuing situations at the death. But yesterday, the youthful goalkeeper pulled off yet another act -one that could surpass all, he exhibited as a player with KCC FC down the years.
By Fred Kaweesi
BENJAMIN Ochan has a documented reputation of rescuing situations at the death. But yesterday, the youthful goalkeeper pulled off yet another act -one that could surpass all, he exhibited as a player with KCC FC down the years.
The 21-year-old finally rescued his career dream move to South African club Bloemfontein Celtic, just a fortnight after two failed attempts to join both Celtics and later Thanda Royal Zulu.
“He has signed finally. It looked gone but I am glad it has happened, subject to a working permit and with an option of it (the contract) being renewed,†Paul Mitchel, client manager with South African-based Yavuma Sports Company that has been handling the keeper’s transfer, confirmed yesterday.
The former Kampala City Council football club goalkeeper impressed Bloemfontein Celtic head coach Owen Da Gama during his three-week stint at the club in July but could not be signed due to restrictions of the five-player foreign quota system in the South African premier soccer league.
Da Gama had done all he could have done to try and free an extra place on the team’s foreign quota, that included terminating Ugandan Posnet Omony’s two-year running contract with the club, but failed.
The youngster’s alternative was moving to Thanda Royal Zulu, a move that also collapsed due to the quota restrictions.
Ochan’s transfer to Celtics was re-ignited last week after Celtic lost two of their goalkeepers Shu-aib Walters (broken finger) and Thabani Stemmer (Achilles tendon) to career threatening injuries.
Celtic chief executive officer Ikie Augousti stated: “We only have one keeper Patrick (Tignyemb) fit.â€
Ochan’s agent Mujib Kasule added: “The transfer window closed but he is able to join the club as a free agent.â€
Brian Umony and Denis Onyango (SuperSport), Timothy Batabaire (Bidvest) and Geoffrey Sserunkuuma (Cape Town) are the other Ugandans in South Africa.
BENJAMIN Ochan has a documented reputation of rescuing situations at the death. But yesterday, the youthful goalkeeper pulled off yet another act -one that could surpass all, he exhibited as a player with KCC FC down the years.
The 21-year-old finally rescued his career dream move to South African club Bloemfontein Celtic, just a fortnight after two failed attempts to join both Celtics and later Thanda Royal Zulu.
“He has signed finally. It looked gone but I am glad it has happened, subject to a working permit and with an option of it (the contract) being renewed,†Paul Mitchel, client manager with South African-based Yavuma Sports Company that has been handling the keeper’s transfer, confirmed yesterday.
The former Kampala City Council football club goalkeeper impressed Bloemfontein Celtic head coach Owen Da Gama during his three-week stint at the club in July but could not be signed due to restrictions of the five-player foreign quota system in the South African premier soccer league.
Da Gama had done all he could have done to try and free an extra place on the team’s foreign quota, that included terminating Ugandan Posnet Omony’s two-year running contract with the club, but failed.
The youngster’s alternative was moving to Thanda Royal Zulu, a move that also collapsed due to the quota restrictions.
Ochan’s transfer to Celtics was re-ignited last week after Celtic lost two of their goalkeepers Shu-aib Walters (broken finger) and Thabani Stemmer (Achilles tendon) to career threatening injuries.
Celtic chief executive officer Ikie Augousti stated: “We only have one keeper Patrick (Tignyemb) fit.â€
Ochan’s agent Mujib Kasule added: “The transfer window closed but he is able to join the club as a free agent.â€
Brian Umony and Denis Onyango (SuperSport), Timothy Batabaire (Bidvest) and Geoffrey Sserunkuuma (Cape Town) are the other Ugandans in South Africa.