LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington Sporting Club has acquired Ugandan international midfielder Noble Okello via permanent transfer from Indy Eleven. In corresponding moves, defender Joe Hafferty and forward Malik Henry-Scott have joined Indy on loan for the remainder of the season. All transactions are pending league and federation approval.
Okello, 26, brings 174 professional appearances and 10 years of experience across five leagues to Lexington. The 6-foot-5 Toronto native has made 74 appearances at the USL Championship level and 30 more for Toronto FC in MLS, Canadian Championship and CONCACAF Champions Cup play.
“I’m really excited to join Lexington and be part of the club,” said Okello. “I’m looking forward to getting settled in, building with the team and competing for a successful season. My goal is to help the team win, continue growing as a player and make a strong impact this season.”
In 2026, Okello appeared 21 times for Indy Eleven across all competitions, scoring twice, winning 58% of his tackles and ranking third on the club with 11 interceptions.
Okello began his professional career at 16 years old with Toronto FC II and made 45 appearances for the secondary side before earning a call-up to Toronto’s MLS squad. He debuted for the senior team in the MLS is Back Tournament on July 21, 2020, and went on to make 22 MLS appearances from 2021-22.
Following two seasons in MLS NEXT Pro with New England Revolution II and Atlanta United 2, and a single-season stint with Denmark’s HB Köge, Okello returned to the USL Championship with Phoenix Rising FC in 2025. He appeared 24 times for Rising and finished top five on the club in four defensive categories plus chances created.
Born in Toronto to Ugandan parents, Okello represented Canada twice in international friendlies in 2020 before switching his international allegiance to Uganda. He received a call-up by Uganda ahead of two summer friendlies in May 2026, but the matches were not played.
Okello will be available for selection for head coach Mac Hemmi in Lexington’s upcoming match vs. Las Vegas Lights FC.
Hafferty and Henry-Scott, meanwhile, have joined Indy Eleven on loan for the remainder of the 2026 season. Hafferty made 21 appearances for the Greens this season across all competitions with nine starts, while Henry-Scott started two of his 14 appearances and scored twice. LSC wishes both players a successful season with Indy.
