West Nile-born forward Sadat Anaku has completed a two-year transfer to American club Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship, marking a significant new chapter in his career.
The 25-year-old, formerly of KCCA FC, joins the Connecticut-based side in search of fresh challenges and greater international exposure.
Anaku rose to prominence through the youth ranks at KCCA FC, where his pace, intelligent off-the-ball movement, and clinical finishing established him as one of Uganda’s most exciting attacking talents.
He became a regular in KCCA’s forward line and a fan favourite at Lugogo.
His breakout performances earned a move to Scottish Premiership club Dundee United in 2022.
While injuries hampered his time in Scotland, the experience offered valuable exposure to European football and tactical discipline.
After returning to Uganda and regaining form with KCCA, Anaku once again drew overseas interest—this time from the United States.
Hartford Athletic compete in the USL Championship, North America’s second-tier professional league and one of the most competitive divisions outside Major League Soccer (MLS).
The league has increasingly become a destination for young international players looking to develop and gain visibility.
Hartford’s signing of Anaku is viewed as a strategic addition to bolster their attacking department ahead of the upcoming campaign.
His direct running, work rate, and goal-scoring instinct are expected to bring added dynamism to the team’s forward options.
The move is a source of pride for the West Nile region and Ugandan football as a whole.
Anaku joins a growing number of Ugandan players making their mark in North America, highlighting the country’s rising profile in global football.
For the forward, the two-year contract is more than a transfer—it represents a platform to relaunch his international career, rebuild confidence after injury setbacks, and prove his quality in a highly competitive environment.
As the USL Championship season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly Anaku adapts to the league’s physical and tactical demands and whether he can recapture the goal-scoring form that once marked him as one of Uganda’s brightest prospects.
