Timothy Ouma: Dream Ksh473m move to Slavia Prague turning into nightmare for Harambee Stars midfielder

Timothy Ouma is yet to play for Slavia Prague since joining the club two months ago. Photo/Slavia Prague

Timothy Ouma: Dream Ksh473m move to Slavia Prague turning into nightmare for Harambee Stars midfielder

Joel Omotto 16:48 - 01.04.2025

Timothy Ouma made a big-money move to Czech giants Slavia Prague in January, hoping to take his career to the next level, but his first two months have been worrying.

Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy Ouma was thought to be walking straight into the Slavia Prague first team when he joined the club from Swedish side Elfsborg in January.

The Czech Republic giants are reported to have spent Ksh473 million to sign Ouma from Elfsborg and after such a huge outlay, it was given, or so many thought, he would slot into the starting XI straight away.

Ouma had already been making waves in the Europa League this season with Elfsborg, playing against the likes of Athletic Bilbao, Galatasaray and AS Roma, and was among the highly rated midfielders in Sweden.

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However, the 20-year-old’s first two months in the Czech Republic have surprising as he begins April with zero minutes in the senior team.

Ouma’s first match for the club was an appearance in the second-string side, Slavia Prague B, on February 14 and while it was surprising, it was thought that he was using the game to gain match fitness.

However, with two months at the club, the Harambee Stars midfielder is still waiting for his first game in a Slavia Prague shirt for the senior team.

Slavia Prague have played eight matches, seven in the league and one in the cup, since Ouma was unveiled but he is yet to feature in any. He has been on the bench for two of them and was not even in the squad for the other six.

During that period, Ouma has only played two matches, his debut on February 14 and on March 8, both for the second-string team, leaving fans wondering why he is not being utilised.

His predicament at his new club did not, however, affect his place in the national team as he was called up by Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon last month.

Ouma was an unused substitute as Kenya fought back to draw 3-3 with The Gambia before he started the 2-1 loss to Gabon, getting 65 minutes and impressing, at a full Nyayo Stadium.

However, with his extended stay on the sidelines, the 20-year-old risks missing out on future call-ups unless his situation quickly changes.

Slavia Prague look to have decided to take their time before integrating the midfielder into the team but it raises more questions given how hard they pursued him and the amount spent to sign him.