YOUNG Africans Sports Club (Yanga) are set to further strengthen their squad following the imminent arrival of Ugandan international attacking midfielder Allan Okello, who is expected in the country today, January 12, to officially begin his new chapter with the Tanzanian champions.

Sources close to the club have confirmed that Young Africans president, Engineer Hersi Said, successfully concluded negotiations for Okello’s signature on Sunday after holding detailed and constructive talks with Vipers SC president Lawrence Mulindwa. The discussions went beyond the transfer itself, with both sides reportedly laying the foundation for a broader cooperation framework aimed at football development between the Dar es Salaam side and the Ugandan giants.

Okello, a highly rated creative midfielder, is believed to have agreed to a two and a half year contract that will see him don the green and yellow colours until mid-2028. His arrival is expected to significantly boost creativity, tempo and attacking fluidity in Young Africans’ midfield as the club intensifies its push for domestic dominance and continental success.

With Okello’s signing, Young Africans have now completed their quota of five players recruited during the current transfer window. The other new arrivals at Jangwani Street include local talents Emmanuel Mwanengo and Mohamed Damaro, Burkinabe midfielder Mauruf Tchakei, and Angolan international striker Laurindo Dilson Aurelio, popularly known as ‘Depú’.

Depú, who has been playing for Polish side Radomiak Radom, is also waiting his official unveiling as a Young Africans player after the four-time defending Tanzanian mainland champions finalized his transfer. According to reports from respected Polish sports journalist Szymon Janczyk, Young Africans secured the 25-year-old striker’s signature for a reported fee of €250,000, an amount estimated to be over TSh 720 million.

The Angolan forward is joining Young Africans at the recommendation of head coach Pedro Goncalves, who previously worked with Depú at the Angola national team. The strong professional relationship between the two is said to have played a crucial role in facilitating the move, with Goncalves convinced that the striker can rediscover his best form under familiar guidance.

For Radomiak Radom, the deal represents a financially beneficial transaction. The Polish club will receive immediate compensation while also securing a percentage of any future transfer fee should Depú be sold again. Radomiak initially signed the striker from Portuguese club Gil Vicente for €100,000, with an additional €100,000 paid in performance related bonuses.

Depú joined Polish football during the summer of 2025 but struggled to secure regular playing time due to stiff competition within the squad and a series of fitness-related challenges. As a result, his opportunities were limited, managing approximately 200 minutes across 10 appearances in all competitions. During that period, he scored one goal and provided one assist.

Despite his modest club statistics in Poland, Depú boasts an impressive record at international level. Under coach Goncalves, he has netted 15 goals in just 18 appearances for the Angola national team, establishing himself as a key attacking figure and a regular starter. This clinical form on the international stage has fueled optimism among Young Africans supporters that he can make an immediate impact in the Premier League and CAF competitions.

Young Africans’ aggressive activity in the transfer market reflects the club’s ambition to maintain their dominance locally while mounting a stronger challenge on the continental stage. The management believes the blend of local prospects and experienced international players will provide depth, competition, and tactical flexibility across all departments.

Okello’s anticipated arrival is particularly seen as a strategic move to address creativity in midfield, an area that has drawn attention in high stakes matches. Known for his vision, passing range, and ability to operate between the lines, the Ugandan international is expected to complement Young Africans’ attacking philosophy and provide service to forwards like Depú.

As the club prepares to officially unveil their new signings, anticipation continues to build among the Young Africans faithful. Supporters are eager to see how the latest additions will adapt to the team’s style of play and contribute to the club’s pursuit of silverware in both domestic and continental competitions.

With the season entering a decisive phase, Young Africans’ recruitment drive sends a clear message of intent: the champions are not only focused on defending their titles but are also determined to elevate their competitive standards and reinforce their status as one of East Africa’s football powerhouses.