Why Uganda International Allan Oyirwoth Chose New England Revolution Over European Options

Intermediary Russell Pointon tells the story of why Allan Oyirwoth joined the Revolution.

The director of Myda FC drove several hours to gather players for a final farewell to Allan Oyirwoth, who signed with the New England Revolution.

Smiles were abundant as Oyirwoth embraced each of his former teammates and coaches. The 18-year-old, who donned the colors of his club team despite not playing in the away game, was lifted in the air as everyone cheered.

The moment tells you a lot about the promising youngster who remains grounded despite turning heads everywhere he’s gone.

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Allan Oyirwoth first caught the attention of intermediary Russell Pointon at the World Cup of Schools in 2023. Pointon saw a strong, confident player with an incredible engine. Oyirwoth also found the back of the net, ultimately winning the tournament’s Golden Boot award.

Soon after, Oyirwoth moved from Uganda to Brooke House College in England to further his education and soccer skills.

One of Oyirwoth's first soccer trips was to Scotland to train with St. Johnstone FC. Pointon recalls that then-head coach Craig Levein, a former Scottish international, offered plenty of compliments.

“That really was the start of someone saying to me, ‘You've got somebody really special there,’” Pointon said.

Oyirwoth trained with some of the top teams in England, including Brighton, Crystal Palace, and Luton Town of the English Premier League and Stoke City of the English Championship.

Oyirwoth was about to sign a contract with Cádiz CF in Spain when Leo Cullen, who played for the New England Revolution from 2001 to 2003, suggested Major League Soccer as a destination.

Cullen, now the CEO of Rainbow World Group, noted that MLS has had success nurturing players. He also spoke about the growth of the league.

Pointon and Oyirwoth then spoke to Revs head coach Caleb Porter.

“He spoke sincerely, he spoke honestly to the kid,” Pointon said. “He told the kid, ‘You're a long way from being the finished article, but I think I can help you to be a real, real top player.’ And that's what Allan wants. He wants somebody that's going to help him to climb the ladder.”

The Revs have a history of developing young, talented players who are sold to Europe. Matt Turner, Tajon Buchanan, Adam Buksa, Djordje Petrovic all spent time in Foxborough before moving overseas.

More recently, the Revs sold Homegrown midfielder Esmir Bajraktervic to PSV Eindhoven. Bajraktarevic recently made his debut for the renowned Dutch club.

“I know that if [Oyirwoth] comes in and does well for your club, it's a plus for your club,” Pointon said. “It's obviously another plus for your club if they go on and sell him for mega money in the future, which I think that's the goal. They obviously see real talent in the kid, and they also see that he's one for the future.”

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At 6’1, 165 lbs, it’s hard to ignore Allan Oyirworth’s size. But Russell Pointon says that Oyirworth’s skill quickly becomes the topic of conversation once the referee starts the game.

“He's got a man's body, really, for a 18-year-old kid,” Pointon said. “He's got super strength. He'll cover every blade of grass. He does everything nice and simple. And then all of a sudden, he'll just do something special, and you'll say, ‘Where did that come from?’”

Pointon believes Oyirworth can influence the game as a central midfielder, whether playing as a six, eight, or ten.

But Oyirworth can also score. Pointoin stated that the youngster collected over 80 goals in his three seasons in Uganda.

“I think he's possibly best as an eight,” Pointon said. “He's good at winning a ball and giving a simple ball. He protects the ball very, very well. He's good in the air as well.

“The way he gets up to a ball is incredible. He's just got sheer strength.”

Oyirworth already has international experience, having featured prominently for the Uganda U-20 Men’s National Team at the African Games in 2023. Here, he scored against Senegal and helped secure a 2-1 win over Nigeria.

Oyirworth also has two caps for the Uganda senior team, playing against Somalia in 2023 and Kuwait in 2024. The right-footed midfielder made his senior debut at only 16 years old, recording an assist in a 67 minute performance.

As you can imagine, people in Uganda have taken note of Oyirworth and his abilities. In fact, he has been nicknamed the African Paul Pobga.

“There's a lot of this player in Allan, and it's Pogba from Manchester United,” Pointon said. “That's a player he loves. That's a player he wants to be, and he's got that stamp all over him.”

While Oyirworth has already accomplished a lot in his brief soccer career–including winning the inaugural Male Athlete of the Year for the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association–he knows there’s plenty of work ahead of him.

Pointon believes he will take on the next challenges, just as he’s done in the past.

“He's got a smile on his face 24/7,” Pointon said. “That's one way I can describe him, and he plays football with the same smile on his face. Enjoys what he's doing and knows he's got to put the work in.

“His attitude is that the hard work will start now. He's on the first run of the ladder, but he realizes the hard work starts now, and he wants to get to the top of that ladder, and I believe he will.”

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Russell Pointon sees a talented, young soccer player when he looks at Allan Oyirworth. He also sees a humble person who is always looking to grow.

“It's a ‘thank you’ to everything that you do for him, and a ‘thank you’ that he really means,” Pointon said. “It's not just saying it, just for the sake of saying it. He never asked for anything.”

Oyirworth only spent six months at Brooke House College, but he left an impact. The school principal told Pointon that he loved having Oyirworth in his building, which has opened the door for other Ugandans to join in the future.

This is a big compliment, considering the school’s high tuition cost.

“The principal of the school said, ‘Look, anybody that can come and follow in his footsteps, we wouldn't hesitate to bring them,’” Pointon said. “And there's another three going this month from Uganda, and those three will be the next three in the pipeline for top football clubs.”

The hope is that Oyirworth can also open doors to MLS. Several Ugandan players have played top-tier soccer in the United States, including Edward Kizza for the New England Revolution, but there’s more talent out there.

“What they’re all saying in Uganda is that Allan is sort of the ambassador for all the young kids out there,” Pointon said. “Where Allan comes from, he’s the trailblazer that all the young kids are looking up to. People are saying, ‘He’s done this from nowhere and you can do it.’”

For now, Pointon is excited to see what Oyirworth does as he moves overseas.

“Allan is special,” Pointon said. “He's a rare breed. He's got this ability to get up and down the field. Very, very rarely does he give a ball away. Still very, very raw.

“In my opinion, you've got a diamond, a rough diamond that needs polishing. If your football coach can give him that guidance, you've got one helluva player.”

Oyirworth, who turned 18 on Thursday, has just linked up with the Revolution. While it’s still early days, he has nothing but nice things to say about the club.

“He says that everybody has made him feel so welcome, “Pointon said. “He’s loving the people, the club, he’s loving his new teammates. It seems like we have made the right decision.

“All [Oyirworth] keeps saying to me is, I’m not going to let anybody down. I’m going to repay the faith that everybody showed in me, and I can’t wait to get started.”