Uganda Cranes striker Emmanuel Okwi has finally gone for trials with Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg Football Club.
If successful, Okwi could find himself playing alongside former Cranes defender Ibrahim Ssekagya, who has been at the club for four seasons and is now its captain.
The gifted striker, who has had a wonderful season for his club Simba in Tanzania and the national team, travelled to Austria on Sunday after being linked to the team by a German agent, Sascha. Okwi told Uganda Radio Network shortly before he left the country it is an opportunity he cannot let pass. The Cranes player will undergo two weeks of trials.
Last week, an application for a visa through the Germany Embassy almost hit a snag after the player was asked to provide a letter from his club in Tanzania since his work permit is from Tanzania, and a letter from FUFA. However, the player was quick to respond and get all the paper work in-order.
Last month there was speculation that the 19-year old rising African star was close to signing a deal with South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, but the deal fell through.
He had a trial at Kaizer Chiefs before last season and was asked back for a second viewing, but at the time turned down the chance to instead attend a another trial in Turkey which came to nothing.
Okwi already has 11 internationals goals to his name for The Cranes, having made his debut at 17. He scored in the 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Angola on June 2, and in the 4-0 win over Congo Brazzaville in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier two weeks later.
He was also top-scorer in the 2010 regional Cecafa Championship with four goals in five games, and matched that number in the 2011 tournament.
