FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Standing at 6-foot-1 and potentially still growing, 18-year-old Allan Oyirwoth cuts a commanding presence, but it’s not just about his size – it’s also about his attitude. That much was clear when he sat down to talk about his first season with the New England Revolution and one word kept coming up: happy.
After making his MLS debut off the bench in early September, Oyirwoth went on to earn four straight league starts for New England. His recent rise after a dozen MLS NEXT Pro appearances with Revolution II isn’t just a testament to his talent, but also to the trust that he’s built within the organization.
“It meant a lot to me. I was really, very excited because I worked for almost eight months. I started with Revs II and then slowly started building trust with the team for when they brought me in. I was so happy, my family was so happy, everyone was so happy for me,” Oyirwoth said.
Hailing from Amor, Uganda, the past year has been full of change for the young midfielder. While moving across the world is never a simple task, doing it in your teens is an even bigger challenge, but Oyirwoth has embraced it with open arms. Likewise, so have his teammates, who have never uttered anything but praise.
“It’s been nice to have [Oyirwoth] through the course of the season, and I think he’s learned a lot. He’s a raw talent,” midfielder Matt Polster said when asked about playing with Oyirwoth. “He’s very talented on the ball and he has a good head on his shoulders. He really wants to compete and show that he can play at this level. And he always has a smile on his face, which makes me smile.”
Oyirwoth has been made to feel especially welcomed by his fellow African teammates, who have given him guidance since day one.
“I got used to it very fast. [Alhassan] Yusuf, [Ignatius] Ganago, [Mamadou] Fofana, and so many other players took me under their wings. They have helped me a lot,” he said. “Everyone was too good to me. Whenever I need anything, they're just open to me. So, I found it easy. I felt at home the very first time I came here.”
Oyirwoth admits that it hasn’t always been easy, especially with a season of ups and downs for the club. Through it all, he’s learned a lot about his own strength. As he’s continued to develop throughout the course of the season, he’s been surprised not just by how quickly he has seen his skills grow on the field, but also by the mindset that he’s needed to make it all happen. Oyirwoth quickly learned that his biggest strength isn’t necessarily what he’s been able to do on the pitch, but the mentality he’s kept through it.
While Oyirwoth speaks of his drive to succeed, what truly sets him apart is his joyful disposition. It’s clear from how his teammates speak of him and it’s clear by the constant smile on his face – whether he’s in the middle of training, in the locker room getting ready for a match, or hanging out at meals with his teammates, Oyirwoth’s energy is infectious.
“I am really someone who is always happy and I always want my teammates to be happy all the time. So, I always try and bring them a smile. Sometimes we go through a lot, we have problems, family problems, many things, but I always try my best to make sure that we are happy,” Oyirwoth explained.
Oyirwoth’s happiness is rooted in a deep sense of gratitude. It’s not just about keeping the vibes high during a trying season, but also about honoring the club who gave him an opportunity to play at this level.
As he looks forward to the future, his sights aren’t set merely on individual success, but on repaying the club on the pitch. He’s focused on himself, knowing the rest will follow.
“Next season, I’m looking to pay back the trust the club has in me. They brought me all the way from Uganda. From nowhere, they brought me in and they trusted me. Now, they’re giving me an opportunity and a platform,” said Oyirwoth. “So, I’m just looking forward to paying back that trust. I want to come back next season a different person and make sure I work hard for the club. I want to help them a lot next season, just to say thank you.”
