Teenage midfielder Josh Ocaya has taken a major step in his young career after signing his first professional contract with Hull City, capping a standout campaign in the club’s academy.
The 18-year-old, who is eligible to represent both Uganda and England, has been one of the Tigers’ brightest prospects this season, forcing his way into the Under-21 setup with a series of mature performances beyond his years.
Ocaya announced his arrival in emphatic fashion in December, rifling in a hat-trick as Hull’s Under-18s demolished Sheffield Wednesday 6-1 at Bishop Burton College. He has since continued his rise, scoring seven goals across the Under-18 and Under-21 teams and earning 14 starts with the latter, underlining his growing influence in midfield.
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In an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, Ocaya expressed absolute delight on penning his first pro contract.
“Signing my first pro contract is a moment I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. I’m grateful to Hull City for believing in me and trusting the work I’ve been putting in. The coaches and the lads have pushed me every day, and that’s helped me grow faster than I imagined. This contract doesn’t change my hunger, I see it as the beginning, not the destination, I want to keep learning,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Born in Woolwich, London to Ugandan parents, Ocaya carries a rich sporting heritage, his father Ambrose, a former KCCA player and alumnus of Namilyango College and Kibuli SS, and his mother Diana Atungire, a former 200m sprinter from Mt St Mary’s Namagunga, an athletic lineage that appears to be shaping his trajectory.
Hull City’s decision to tie him down comes as the club pushes at the top end of the Championship table, currently sitting fourth in the 24-team league, with the academy continuing to supply talent for the future.
