Herriman, UT (Wednesday, April 27, 2022) — Real Monarchs have announced the signing of Ugandan defender Aziz Kayondo from Vipers SC, to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract, pending league approval.
“Kayondo is a talented, young defender who has quickly risen to a high pedigree in African football, both with his club and the Uganda national team,” Real Salt Lake Assistant General Manager Tony Beltran said. “We believe this is just the beginning of what he can accomplish and are excited about the potential heights he can reach with Real Monarchs and our organization.”
Kayondo,19, joins Real Monarchs from his home country of Uganda where he played with Vipers SC for the last four seasons, guiding them to their second Stanbic Uganda Cup Trophy in 2020.
Kayondo has been a feature of the Ugandan National Team ranks, making 11 appearances for the U-20 and U-23 squads, and recently recording his first appearance with the senior national team in their 2022 World Cup Qualifier against Rwanda.
Kayondo was named one of three finalists for the 2021 Airtel-Fufa Awards Men’s Player of the Year, given to the top player in Uganda. He was also named to the Bext XI for the 2020 U-20 AFCON team after leading the U20 team to the finals of the tournament.
Real Monarchs are currently competing in the newly formed MLS NEXT Pro, with its next home match set for this Friday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m. MT at Zions Bank Stadium against St. Louis City 2. This move comes after seven seasons in the USL Championship, during which the team won the 2019 USL Championship Cup, the 2017 USL Regular Season Shield, and the Western Conference Title in both 2017 and 2019, while also qualifying for the postseason in 2018.
Tickets for Real Monarchs can be purchased by calling 844.Real.Tix or by visiting www.RSL.com/tickets.
TRANSACTION: Real Monarchs sign defender Aziz Kayondo to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract.
Player Information
Name: Aziz Kayondo
Position: Defender
Height: 5’9"
Date of Birth: October 6, 2002
Age: 19
Birthplace: Kalungu, Uganda
Hometown: Kalungu, Uganda
Citizenship: Uganda
Last Club: Vipers SC
How Acquired: Signed on April 27, 2022
Real Monarchs' current roster as of 04/27/22
Goalkeepers: No current players signed to Real Monarchs contracts*
Defenders:* Bobby Pierre, Pierre Reedy, Golden Mafwenta, Aziz Kayondo
Midfielders: Jack Imperato, Leo Torres, Pedro Fonseca, Tyrone Mondi, Christian Nydegger
Forwards: Terron Williams, Yekeson Subah
