Collins Sichenje makes permanent Sh57million-plus FK Vojvodina move from AIK

Collins Sichenje makes permanent Sh57million-plus FK Vojvodina move from AIK

Festus Chuma 11:30 - 13.09.2024

Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje's loan move to FK Vojvodina becomes permanent after impressive performances in Serbian football.

Serbian side FK Vojvodina have turned Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje's loan move into a permanent transfer from Swedish side AIK.

The 21-year-old joined Vojvodina in July on a six-month loan but the club has activated the option to buy early after he impressed in the first few games.

Expressing his gratitude, Sichenje thanked AIK for the opportunity to be part of a big club with fantastic supporters.

"First, I want to say a big thank you to AIK for the opportunity they gave me to be in a big club with fantastic supporters. My time at the club was shorter than I expected, but I enjoyed the matches I got to play at the National Arena," Sichenje said, reflecting on his time with AIK.

Born on September 19, 2003, in Kenya, the young defender rose through the ranks at Green Commandos SC in Kakamega before signing with AFC Leopards.

His strong performances at AFC Leopards earned him a place in Kenya's national team, where he made his debut in March 2021 during a 1-0 victory over South Sudan at the Nyayo National Stadium.

In 2022, AIK Fotboll, one of Sweden’s most prominent clubs, announced the signing of Sichenje on a contract running until 2026. At the time, the deal was seen as a major breakthrough for Kenyan football, with Sichenje expected to become a mainstay in AIK's defense.

He made his competitive debut for the club in July 2022 during a UEFA Europa Conference League match against FC Vorskla.

Despite high expectations, the young defender found playing time limited in Sweden and was loaned out to Finnish side KuPS in 2023.

At KuPS, Sichenje rediscovered his form, playing 20 league matches and three cup games.

He returned to AIK in 2024 but was featured sparingly in the squad, making just twelve appearances in total for the Swedish giants, including eight in the Allsvenskan and four in European competitions.

The decision to send him out on loan to FK Vojvodina in July of this year, however, proved to be a career-defining move.

"To hear the cheers from Norra Stand when you make a good tackle was really something special. I wish the club and all the players all the best. AIK will forever remain in my heart," added Sichenje as he bid farewell to his former club.

His arrival at Vojvodina coincided with a crucial period for the club as they battled in both domestic and European competitions.

Despite Vojvodina’s early exit from European football, Sichenje’s performances have been so impressive that the board quickly moved to secure him on a permanent basis.