European move to sign for Ross County is what dreams are made of for South Sudan international William Akio head of potential Staggies debut against East Fife in Premier Sports Cup
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Many people around the world will aspire to be a professional footballer, but for William Akio moving to Europe and signing for Ross County really is the stuff of dreams.
The 24-year-old attacker was born in a refugee camp in Nairobi, Kenya before emigrating to Canada where he grew up.
Even within sport itself, Akio has had to work hard to get where he is, coming back from a serious knee injury while playing college soccer – getting degrees in legal studies and psychology – and finally turning professional last May with Valour in the Canadian Premier League.
His performances there caught the eye of Malky Mackay's recruitment team in Dingwall, and the Staggies brought him to the Highlands where he is in line to make his debut against East Fife this afternoon.
While Akio's journey to County has taken many twists and turns, getting here has been a long-term ambition for him.
“I’m very excited – playing in Europe is something I used to dream about," Akio enthused.
“To be here in Dingwall for my first contract in Europe means everything. I’m ready to give this club everything I’ve got.
“For me, I grew up watching European football. I watched a lot of the leagues.
“I didn’t know I was going to take my game this far. When I was in Canada I was in school, I was studying to be a lawyer and I got my degree. I only turned professional18 months ago.
“It was something I always had in my heart, thinking that one day I could come here and play. It just happened so quickly, but I knew that this was my moment to make the most of it."
Family connections
By signing for County, Akio links up with his younger brother, midfielder Victor Loturi.
The two have not played together before, so it will be a special moment when they line up together for Ross County.
Naturally, the whole family will be keeping a close eye on Dingwall from now on, with parents Paul and Grace watching the duo's progress from afar.
“Victor can lean on me, and I can lean on him," Akio said.
“Growing up we never actually played with each other. He was always a year younger, so I would always watch him and he would watch me.
“We used to talk about it all the time, that one day we would maybe play. We wondered if it would ever happen, but now it’s happening it’s surreal. I’m very excited.
“Hopefully I keep my tears back! It’s going to be amazing for my family, everyone is going to be super-excited to see us play together. Hopefully he can give me an assist or something.
“It doesn’t matter what the time is – our parents are going to be up watching for sure."
A peek behind the scenes
County supporters may well get their first glimpse of Akio this afternoon, and with today being the South Sudan international's birthday a debut would be the perfect present.
The attacker is fit and raring to go having been midway through the Canadian season, and after watching the Staggies' 2–0 win away at Alloa Athletic on Tuesday night he will be desperate to show how he can fit in with his new teammates.
Fans could be seeing more of Akio off the pitch, though, as he runs a YouTube channel documenting life as a professional athlete.
“I started when I was in college," he added.
"I had my knee surgery and it was a really tough time for me. I just decided to document my journey of getting back on to the field, and potentially signing a professional contract.
“Ever since I started that journey it has just been going up and up. Here I am now, and I feel like it’s just part of my life.
“I like to share little things behind the scenes, of what I do in my every day life to become a professional soccer player.
“I’m going to keep it going here – with all due respect to the club – as long as they allow me to!"
