Akio Loaned To Raith Rovers
By Ross County’s William Akio has been sent out on loan to Scottish second division side Raith Rovers for the remainder of the season.
The 24-year-old winger made his debut for the side yesterday as a late game substitute in a 2-2 draw against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Akio’s first foray into Europe with Ross County has seen him get limited minutes from the bench, mostly as a late game substitute. He’s carved out fifteen appearances for Ross County since arriving from Valour, recording one goal in league play and two assists against fourth tier club East Fife.
The loan move comes not long after Akio was spoken to by head coach Malky Mackay for his conduct off the pitch, where video footage showed the striker socializing at a party immediately after Ross County’s Scottish Cup fourth round loss against last-place Championship side Hamilton.
Mackay clarified that no internal club rules were broken, though Akio was told to show more awareness whilst representing Ross County following a defeat.
“It’s a week before we’re due to play a game, so they’re allowed to go out and about,” Mackay told the Press and Journal. “I’ve had a conversation with him concerning what’s expected, and what we are at Ross County, and what this club needs to be. Our captain and vice-captain have actually been involved there and come down heavily as well, so I’m delighted about that.”
His younger brother Victor Loturi remains with Ross County, with the 21-year-old having now nearly accruing one thousand minutes for the Scottish Premiership side since arriving from Cavalry.
Akio’s time in the Canadian Premier League saw him sharpen his eye for goal with Winnipeg’s Valour FC, for whom he contributed ten goals in 43 appearances. His time at IG Field saw him begin international duty with South Sudan, though he was also subject to a viral miss shortly before his three-year deal with Ross County was announced.
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With Akio’s loan reportedly set to run through to the remainder of the season, the forward’s next task will be to settle himself in Kirkcaldy and prove he deserves another chance up in the Scottish Premiership.
The Raith Rovers currently sit seventh in Scottish second tier, which has ten clubs in all. The second division side is where former Halifax Wanderers trialist Jamie Watson once played, and they’ll be hoping Akio can help improve their goal differential and help them club back up the table.