Brian Umony joins TZ side Azam

By Norman Katende

CECAFA Tusker Challenge Cup player of the tournament Brian Umony has joined Tanzania outfit Azam for $50,000 (sh125m).

The striker is expected to officially transfer to Tanzania during the mid-season transfer exercise next month.

Umony, who scored three goals for the Uganda Cranes before getting injured during the regional tournament that was held at Namboole, traveled to Tanzania early this week and signed a two-year contract.

The deal will be processed in two phases with $25,000 (sh62m) for each year. “He will receive $25,000 for the first year and the other share for the second year of his contract,” a source told New Vision from Dar es Salaam.true

Uganda Cranes lifted the CECAFA title for the 13th time after beating rivals Kenya 2-1 in the final.

Although Umony did not have a running contract with KCCA FC, the club will earn $10,000 (sh25m) from his move.

Umony could not be contacted for comment but KCCA coach George Nsimbe confirmed that he was still a KCC player until January when the transfer period opens.

“He has finalized everything and he will be moving in January. Athough he was a KCCA player, he has no contract with the club but a standard agreement that he would play for us and would be released when he gets a better option,” Nsimbe pointed.

Umony was part of the KCC team that impressed during the CAF Champions League in 2009.

He then traveled to South Africa where he joined Super Sport United before being released to the University of Pretoria football club.

In 2011, Umony signed a one year deal with American side Portland Timbers but later moved to Vietnam side Becamex Binh Duong before rejoining KCCA.

Umony will become the fourth Ugandan player to play in Tanzania after Emmanuel Okwi (Simba), Hamis Kiiza (Yanga) and Joseph Owino (Azam)