Harambee Stars Defender, Joseph Okumu, Emphasizes the Importance of Consistent AFCON Qualification for Kenyan Players and Recognizes Inspirational Teammates
Joseph Okumu, a defender for the Harambee Stars, has shed light on the advantages of Kenya regularly qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for its players. He also mentioned a teammate who has been a source of inspiration for him.
Okumu believes that Kenya’s sporadic qualifications for AFCON have limited Kenyan players’ opportunities to join major leagues worldwide. Kenya has only qualified for AFCON four times since the tournament’s inception in 1957, making appearances in 1972, 1990, 2004, and 2019. They failed to qualify for the 2021 edition and were disqualified from the 2023 qualifiers due to a FIFA suspension. To secure a spot in the 2025 tournament in Morocco, they will need to perform exceptionally well, even though they are already guaranteed a place in 2027 as co-hosts with Uganda and Tanzania.
Okumu stressed the importance of Kenya’s consistent participation in this continental tournament, as it serves as a scouting ground for European teams. He cited his own experience in 2019 when his outstanding performance led to a move from Real Monarchs to IF Elfsborg in Sweden, marking the beginning of his European journey.
“It is an exciting prospect for the country to participate in the largest competition in Africa,” said Okumu, who currently plays for Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims. “It’s something we aspire to, and thanks to that, I was scouted to go to Sweden, which eventually brought me to where I am today. So, it’s crucial for the country to qualify for such tournaments.”
Okumu spent two years in Sweden before a €3.5 million (Ksh543 million) transfer to Belgian top-flight club KAA Gent in 2021. After an impressive two-year spell, he made a €12 million (Ksh1.8 billion) move to Reims last summer, now competing in a larger league.
In addition to discussing his career trajectory, Okumu recognized Harambee Stars teammate Brian Mandela, who currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and has played a significant role in Okumu’s career development. Okumu also mentioned other center-backs who inspired him early in his career, including Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly from Al Hilal and the veteran Brazilian Thiago Silva, who plays for Chelsea.
“There are quite a few players I used to follow when I was playing in Kenya, such as Brian Mandela, Koulibaly, and Thiago Silva. I admired the quality they possessed; they remained composed when needed and could be aggressive when required,” he added.
Okumu, who has earned 18 caps for the Harambee Stars, was recently involved in Kenya’s friendly matches against Qatar, where he scored the opening goal in a 2-1 victory, and a 1-0 loss to South Sudan in September.
