Asante Kotoko have announced the capture of striker George Opiyo Abege from Kenya’s Kariobangi Sharks.
The Porcupine Warriors marked down the Ugandan for a future transfer when both sides met in the knockout stage of the 2018/19 Caf Confederation Cup earlier this year.
Abege, 26, signed terms of a three-year contract on Tuesday, after leading Kariobangi Sharks to beat English giants, Everton 4-3 on penalties in a pre-season match over the weekend.
He comes on the back of a difficult season as Sharks where managed to score only three goals in the 2018/19 Kenya Premier League.
The deal for the lanky goal poacher, who becomes the second Ugandan to be on the books of the Ghanaian giants after Joseph Ochaya in recent years, is to run until July 2022.
A statement by Asante Kotoko noted that Abege, who had only joined Kariobangi Sharks in June 2018, “was bought out of contract from the Nairobi-based club” and that “his presence” will help the club “in great measure.”
“George Abege’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC) has reached the Porcupines, and the player is expected to join his colleagues this week.
“The Porcupines noticed George Abege in the Confederation Cup preliminary round tie against Kariobangi Sharks, and find his qualities of relevance as the side aims for domestic and continental glories next season,” it added.
Asante Kotoko have in recent days embarked on a mass recruitment to mark preparations for their return to the Caf Champions League – the 2019/20 edition beginning in August.
And Abege is the eight signing so far officially announced by the club. The initial arrivals include Justice Blay, Kwame Baah, Matthew Kelvin Andoh, Ampem Dacosta, Godfred Asiamah, Moussa Adingra and Richard Arthur.
Kotoko are expected to confirm the arrival of left-back Bright Enchill following the announcement by his club Medeama SC a deal on a permanent transfer had been struck.
Two more players – from Burkina Faso and Mali – are reportedly set to be signed for the newly appointed head coach Kjetil Zachariassen.
Asante Kotoko have until July 11 to submit their final squad for the preliminary stage of the 2019/20 Caf Champions League.
