Nairobi News

SportsWhat's Hot

Gor Mahia midfielder Aucho off to Scotland


Gor Mahia midfielder Khalid Aucho is buzzing with confidence and excitement ahead of a potential move to Europe.

The Uganda international departs for Scotland on Thursday evening, where he is primed to undergo a two-week trials at Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen.

The former Tusker FC player’s travel itinerary was confirmed after he was granted a six-month Visa to Great Britain by the British High Commission in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The trial schedule, according to the player’s local manager George Bwana, entails training with The Don’s first team, plus featuring in a number of friendly matches.

The program will allow the club’s technical team – which is led by manager Derek Mclnnes – ample time to assess the player’s physical and technical ability, before deciding on whether to offer him a contract.

“This opportunity has excited me so much that I can hardly sleep. I want to go there and show them what I can do. You wait and see,” Aucho told Nairobi News.

HOT-TEMPERED

Despite Aucho’s confidence, Bwana is refusing to slam the door on other transfer options available for the player, which reportedly include interest from newly promoted South African top flight club Baroka FC alongside two clubs in the same league. There is also interest for the player from clubs in Asia and Sweden.

“We are negotiating to have his stay in Europe shortened to about 10 days, so that if things don’t work out there, we have time to look elsewhere (before the transfer period lapses),” Bwana stated.

At the same time, Tusker FC CEO Charles Obiny has urged Aucho to tone down on his emotions in his quest for a professional career in Europe.

Obiny discovered Aucho in Bombo, a Kampala surburb, during a scouting mission four years ago, before offering him his first professional contract at the Ruaraka based club.

“He is tough, just like Wanyama (Victor) and can make it anywhere although he will need to cool his temper. We wish him well,” Obiny said.

Aucho won the Kenyan Premier League title last season with Gor Mahia and was voted the second best midfielder in the league. He is also a regular player for the Uganda national team.