The Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu has shown considerable skill in Ligue 1 since his transfer from Belgian team Gent to Stade Reims last July. Will Still, the recent former coach of Stade Reims, disclosed the areas Joseph Okumu needs to develop to enhance his game further.
Currently, Okumu is undergoing rehabilitation for a minor ankle injury that has sidelined him for Reims’ last three matches, including a 4-1 loss to Clermont Foot. This loss contributed to the end of Still’s 18-month tenure as head coach. Despite this, Okumu has had a remarkable first season in France, becoming only the second Kenyan after Dennis Oliech to play in the French top flight.
Reims acquired Okumu for just under €12 million from Gent, where he had shown his capabilities extensively. His adept ball-handling skills have ranked him among the top defenders in Ligue One, and his solid defensive performance has confirmed his worth.
Earlier in the year, a report by Pulse Sports highlighted Okumu’s potential to rank among the best central defenders globally, comparing his performance metrics closely with those of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Still pointed out that while Okumu is exceptional, he sometimes attempts unnecessary plays. “He’s known as the king of Kenya, and he possesses a strong right foot, but occasionally he tries to force plays that aren’t there,” Still explained to the press in early April. He commended Okumu for his ability to cover large areas and anticipate threats, which are crucial for the team’s strategy. Still also praised Okumu’s personality and adaptability to various roles on the team, including his time playing right back in Belgium.
However, Still also noted areas for Okumu to refine further, such as his positioning, natural speed, and the quality of his short game, which are all integral to the team’s tactics.
Okumu’s journey in football started in Kisumu, Kenya, with Chemelil Sugar, after completing his education at Kakamega High School. His talent soon took him international, leading to stints in South Africa, the United States, and Sweden, before joining Gent for €3.5 million in 2021. His impressive performances at Gent drew interest from several European clubs and showcased his talent on a global stage during the Europa Conference League quarter-finals in 2023.
