Following his failure to secure a big-money move to Belgian top-flight side Standard Liège after unsuccessful trials, Ugandan international Derrick Kakooza has joined Albanian outfit KF Tërbuni, The Nerve Africa sources have exclusively learned.
Kakooza fell short of joining both Standard Liège and Latvian side FK Liepāja due to failed trials and visa issues, respectively. His agency, ABP Sports Management Uganda, subsequently secured him a move to KF Tërbuni, where he is set to sign a two-year contract.
A source at ABP Sports Management Uganda disclosed to The Nerve Africa that Kakooza flew to Albania on Monday, with his official unveiling scheduled for Tuesday. It has also been revealed that the player will receive a signing-on fee of €45,000 (about 172 million Ugandan shillings).
“Derrick (Kakooza) boarded earlier today and will touch down in Albania tomorrow, where he will be unveiled immediately. All details have been agreed upon, and it’s 100% done. This is a huge relief after long spells of frustration with failed moves to Latvia and Belgium. Finally, he can settle and focus on developing his talent,” the source told The Nerve Africa in an exclusive interview.
The 22-year-old returns to Europe after nearly three years, having previously played for Valmiera FC in 2022 in Latvia. He has also featured for ENPPI in the Egyptian Premier League and Police FC in the Uganda Premier League.
Meanwhile, on the international stage, Kakooza has represented Uganda’s senior national team, the Cranes, in four matches, scoring one goal. He was also the top scorer at the 2020 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania with six goals and was named in the tournament’s Best XI as Uganda reached the final, where they lost to Ghana. Ghana and Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu was named the Player of the Tournament.
