)
The former KCCA FC star has reportedly endured discomfort and pain in his knee for over two years, dating back from his first stint at AC Paradou.
Past experiences of the late Willy 'Jamil' Kyambadde, Steven Bengo, Hassan Jurua, John Revita among others, tell a football career can be distorted, hampered or even cut short by injury setbacks.
Uganda Cranes playmaker Allan Okello could be trouble-bound after refusing to undertake surgery for a long-standing nagging knee injury, Pulse Sports Uganda understands.
The former KCCA FC star has reportedly endured discomfort and pain in his knee for over two years, dating back from his first stint at AC Paradou.
)
And, despite being fully aware of the situation, Okello has refused to heed to medical advice of taking the knife.
One of Okello's former coaches (names withheld), has advised him to take up surgery early enough given his age, before it escalates, but he gave him a deaf ear.
Despite retaining his undoubted ability on the ball; to create and cause havoc to backlines, the situation has negatively impacted his overall delivery.
)
On the pitch, he is limited on the distance he covers, how much he runs and rarely makes the long-range shots.
The ability to shoot from distance was one of the qualities that made him stand out during Mike Mutebi's reign at KCCA, but can no longer comfortably execute.
He still managed eight league assists (and five goals) in the preceding campaign, joint most with Gadafi Wahab and Milton Karisa, though.
)
However, as the season wore on, Okello could barely play 90 minutes and despite the passion to play, the body would give in.
Rumour has had it that it's partially the reason he got omitted from the final Uganda Cranes squad that took on Algeria in the qualifications for the Africa Cup of Nations.
This could also impact his future dealings, should a big move arise. He would pose bigger chances of failing a medical.
Meanwhile, knee surgeries are not the type that can or should be rushed before careful consideration, as a poorly executed surgery could mean a complete end to a career.
Knee Injuries - Doctors' Perspective
According to Dr. Aaron Kalumba (not real name); "an orthopedic at a reknown hospital in Ntinda, a knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the body, as it supports body weight and initiates most movement," he told this website.
"Some of the most common knee Injuries include the ACL Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries, where there is partial or complete tear of the tissue."
"Where an athlete expects to compete again well, a complete ACL tear (rupture) requires surgery while less severe ACL injuries can be managed by physical therapy," the doctor added.
Kalumba added that other knee Injuries include the Collateral Ligament injuries, Knee dislocations, knee fractures, knee meniscus injuries among others, and in all, surgery is only needed when severe.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)