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Arnold Odong (born on March 25, 1999), is a Ugandan footballer who plays as a central defender for SC Villa and the Uganda national team. Renowned for his strong physical presence and impressive aerial skills, Odong has rapidly advanced in Ugandan football, gaining recognition for his performances at both the club and national levels.[1][2][3]
 SC Villa's Defender Arnold Odong picks instructions from Morley Byekwaso as he was celebrating his goal against Mbarara city FC at wankulukuku | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Arnold Odong | ||
| Date of birth | 25 March 1999 | ||
| Place of birth | Gulu, Uganda | ||
| Position(s) | Central defender | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | SC Villa | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Watoto Sports Academy | |||
| Watoto FC | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2023– | SC Villa | ||
| International career | |||
| 2024– | Uganda | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Early life
editArnold Odong was born on March 25, 1999, in Gulu, Uganda. From a young age, he had a deep passion for football while growing up in northern Uganda.[4] He began his football journey with local clubs like Watoto Sports Academy and Watoto FC, where he honed his defensive skills. Later on, he played for Mawokota and Buddu in the Masaza Cup, a regional tournament that has been a stepping stone for many Ugandan football stars.[5]
Odong's dedication on the field secured him a place at MUBS (Makerere University Business School), where he managed to juggle his studies and football aspirations. Despite facing various challenges, he completed a diploma in Business Administration while steadfastly working towards his goal of becoming a professional footballer.[1]
Career
editArnold Odong's major opportunity arrived in 2023 when he joined SC Villa, one of the most successful football clubs in Uganda. His timing at SC Villa was perfect, as the team was experiencing considerable changes after the exit of their former captain, Gift Fred. Odong stepped in quickly establishing himself as a dependable central defender.[6] In the 2023/24 season, Odong captured attention by scoring key goals for SC Villa. He marked his first goal for the club in a match against Maroons FC, contributing to a 1-1 draw. His standout performance in that game earned him the Man of the Match accolade, and he kept showcasing his talent for scoring from set-pieces, especially with his heading ability.[5][6] He also played a pivotal role in SC Villa's progress in the Uganda Premier League, which saw them contending for the top positions in the table.
National Team Call-Up
editArnold Odong’s performances at SC Villa caught the attention of many. In 2024, he earned a call-up to the Uganda national football team, the Cranes. This was a pivotal moment for the young defender, who had always aspired to represent his country at the highest level. His selection for the national team was especially significant as key players like Kenneth Semakula and Halid Lwaliwa were unable to participate due to visa issues.[1] Odong’s call-up arrived at a pivotal moment as the Cranes worked on strengthening their defense following a string of disappointing performances. Coach Paul Put recognized the potential in Odong's physical presence, tactical insight, and versatility, traits that position him as a significant addition to the team.[1]
Achievements
edit- 2023/24-Uganda Premier League: Contributed significantly to SC Villa's strong league campaign.
- National-Team Call-Up: Received his first call-up to the Uganda Cranes in 2024.
- Educational-Achievement: Completed a Diploma in Business Administration at MUBS[1][6]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Budding defender Odongo fired up by coveted Cranes call-up". Monitor. 2024-08-29. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ "SC Villa begin season with comfortable win against Mbarara City". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ "Byekwaso relieved after Jogoos goal taps open". Monitor. 2024-09-18. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ "Arnold Odong's Men's Soccer Recruiting Profile". www.ncsasports.org. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ a b Kule, Edwin Kyle (2023-09-25). "Arnold Odong glad to get off the mark at SC Villa". Kawowo Sports. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ a b c Sports, Pulse (2023-09-30). "Arnold Odong revels in his goalscoring form for SC Villa". Pulse Sports Uganda. Retrieved 2024-10-14.