Emma Okwi joins Danish side Sonderjyske
Jul 10, 2015
Emmanuel Okwi has signed a five-year contract with Danish side Sonderjyske. The youthful striker, who married his sweetheart Florence Nakalega a couple of weeks ago, joins Sonderjyske from Tanzanian side Simba.
By Fred Kaweesi
Emmanuel Okwi has signed a five-year contract with Danish side Sonderjyske.
The youthful striker, who married his sweetheart Florence Nakalega a couple of weeks ago, joins Sonderjyske from Tanzanian side Simba.
At Simba, Okwi proved his qualities to both the club’s fans and most importantly coach Jakob Michelsen.
“Jakob Michelsen has seen him live around 20 times. We also followed him for a while and are pleased that we were able to agree with him, and not least with his club Simba SC on the transfer fee, Sonderjyske’s director of sports Hans Jorgen Haysen told Danish publication nordschleswiger.dk.
“He has spectacular dribbling skills and is fast on the ball. He is also technically good,” he added.
Although the club were hesitant to disclose the transfer fees involved in the move, there is enough to suggest that the investment was quite lucrative.
“For Sonderjyske this is a big investment, and it is clear that we hope for his age and potential, we’ll eventually sell him at a profit,” said Haysen.
Okwi’s abilities have never been doubted but that doesn’t mean that the club will push for immediate results.
Emma Okwi juggles a ball at Namboole Stadium
“We know that for Africans, it is hard to get used to European football, to the culture and to the temperatures. We will give him time, but I would want to emphasize that we already expect something from him in the coming season -. It is one of the biggest names in the East African football and he is a big name in the Super League.”
The move should allow Okwi settle, especially considering the controversies that surrounded his previous spell with Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel.
His 300,000 (sh972m) switch to Sahel fell through after both parties failed to agree on personal terms.
Worth the investment
However his move to Denmark, says everything about his progress over the years.
There are of course great forwards out there on the continent, but Okwi can get to that level if he keeps making progress.
When Simba re-signed him after his move to Sahel fell through last season, they knew he would become a really top player and he is going in that direction without question.
He is blessed with certain ingredients that only certain great players have. He has that hunger and determination.
He wants to win every match and every training session. He is blessed with that, and these are wonderful things to take into a game of football these days.
Okwi has not been that consistent for the Cranes and has had some disappointing games, but there is enough to suggest he will improve.
Under, Michelsen last season, he was central to the club’s destiny. His pace and eye for goal can be an asset for any team. He also runs through the channels brilliantly, positives that Sonderjyske will come to appreciate.
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