Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu takes charge as vice captain at Gent

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STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu takes charge as vice captain at Gent

Festus Chuma 16:52 - 14.07.2023

The Kenyan defender's leadership and exceptional skills earn him a prominent role at Belgian side.

In an impressive career milestone, Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu has been appointed as the vice captain of Belgian First Division side KAA Gent.

The 26-year-old rising star will now assume a pivotal leadership role within the team, further solidifying his reputation as a promising talent and exemplifying his dedication to the beautiful game.

https://twitter.com/KAAGent/status/1679826667655553025?s=20

The announcement comes as a pleasant surprise to many fans who were worried about Okumu's future at KAA Gent. 

Recent rumors had suggested that several clubs across Europe were vying for his signature, recognizing his immense potential and impressive performances. 

However, the club's decision to appoint him as vice captain is a clear message that Okumu's services are highly valued and that KAA Gent intends to hold on to their rising star.

Okumu's football  journey began in Kisumu, where he started his career at former Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Chemelil Sugar after completing his high school education at Kakamega High School. 

However, it didn't take long for his talent to be noticed beyond the borders of Kenya. Within just six months, he ventured abroad and joined Free State Stars in South Africa, showcasing his immense potential on a larger stage.

Eager to further test his skills, Okumu crossed the Atlantic to the United States and joined AFC Ann Arbor in 2018. 

His performances there caught the attention of scouts, and he subsequently made his move to Real Monarchs, his former club. 

It was during this period that Okumu's star began to shine even brighter, as he displayed remarkable defensive prowess and leadership qualities that set him apart from his peers.

In August 2019, Okumu's exceptional abilities attracted the interest of Swedish club IF Elfsborg, and he made the move to Europe.

His impact at Elfsborg was nothing short of transformative, as he played a pivotal role in helping the club secure a spot in the prestigious Europa League.

Okumu's contributions on the pitch were immense, and his talent was undeniable and in June 2021 he was signed by Gent on a four-year deal.