Reigning Uganda Premier League Most Valuable Player Jonah Patrick Kakande has turned down a new contract offer from champions SC Villa, further fueling speculation about his reported move to Belgian top-flight side Standard Liège, The Nerve Africa has exclusively learned.
The playmaker’s current contract with the 17-time Uganda Premier League champions will expire at the end of this season. The attacking midfielder, however, has declined a sign-on fee of €4,600 (about 18 million shillings) from Villa, which was tied to a two-year contract extension.
The 21-year-old has been scouted by agents from Belgium who are keen to lure him to Standard Liège at the end of the season. The prospect of a maiden professional stint in Europe has influenced Kakande’s decision to leave Villa upon the expiration of his contract.
A source at his representing agency, Prosper Sports Agency, has exclusively confirmed to The Nerve Africa that the player will not renew his contract with Villa as they explore other options.
“Jonah (Kakande) received the offer from Villa, I can confirm, but I can also assure you that it won’t be renewed. The plan is to have him play in Europe next season, and scouts have been here on many occasions. A move to Standard Liège? Well, they’ve been here, but there’s nothing formal yet. There are many other offers on the table, and we’ll have to make the best decision at the right time. Right now, his focus is to finish the season strongly,” the source exclusively revealed.
Kakande was last season’s Most Valuable Player after helping SC Villa secure their record-extending 17th league title. He scored nine league goals and provided eight assists in 26 games. This campaign, he has so far netted seven times and registered four assists in 17 games.
Meanwhile, on the international stage, the versatile attacker has earned three caps for the Uganda Cranes, registering one assist. He is among the players called up by manager Paul Put for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).
