Malcolm Daniel Okello, a key player for Platinum Credit Heathens, has earned his first call-up to the senior sevens national rugby team, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Okello will represent Uganda at the inaugural Willem Strauss International Rugby 7’s Tournament, set to take place from September 6th to 9th in South Africa.
The call-up comes as no surprise to those familiar with Okello’s performance, as he has been one of the top scorers in Uganda’s National 7s Circuit this year where he is also captaining the Platinum Credit Heathens.
Speaking on Okello’s selection, Rugby Cranes Sevens National Head Coach, Tolbert Onyango, praised the young player’s development.
“Malcolm kicks with both legs and is a huge asset to the team. This is a great opportunity to test his skills and guide him towards fulfilling his potential,” Onyango noted. He added that Okello has the potential to be a part of the team to get Uganda to the 2026 Olympics.
Okello’s journey began in 2007 with Kyadondo Rugby Club, progressing through its ranks from the Tigers to Stallions before joining Heathens RFC.
The 2022 Baby Cranes captain also led his U20 team to victory in the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy, where he emerged as the tournament’s top points scorer.
Grateful for the opportunity, Okello acknowledged the challenges of balancing rugby with his studies but expressed his determination to keep improving.
“I want to give this everything that I can,” he said, while also hoping to inspire the next generation of young rugby players in Uganda.
