Joseph Okumu donates van to childhood team Chemelil Youth FC

STARS ABROAD Joseph Okumu donates van to childhood team Chemelil Youth FC

Joel Omotto 17:19 - 13.12.2023

Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu has given back to his former club Chemelil Youth FC after donating a van to aid their movement as they participate in the FKF Kisumu County League

Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu has donated a van to his childhood club Chemelil Youth FC to aid their movement in the FKF Kisumu County League.

The centre-back, who plays for French Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims, honed his skills at Chemelil before going to play in South Africa and USA after which he made the switch to Europe.

According to his father Hillary Ouma, the player saw the need to give back to the club that nurtured him in his formative years and also the Chemelil community who molded him into the world beater that he is.

“Okumu in his message to Chemelil Youth FC asked me to inform you all that the donation of this van which will facilitate players transport to honour their Kisumu County league matches,” said Ouma, as quoted by The Standard.

“It is an appreciation of the fact that his football career started at this club, popularly known as Guza Guza, among Chemelil Sugar football fraternity fans.”

The 14-seater van was handed over during a prayer session and unveiling of a partnership programme at Chemelil Sugar Sports Complex stadium, between Chemelil Youth FC and Chemelil Sugar Company.

Chemelil Youth FC has been on the forefront of nurturing young football talent in Kenya and produced five players for Kenya’s Junior Stars during the CECAFA U18 Boys Championship which ended in Kenya last week with Uganda beating the hosts 1-0 in the final.

After Chemelil Sugar, Okumu moved to Free State Stars in South Africa in 2016. After a short stint, he signed for AFC Ann Arbor in the US before moving to Utah-based Real Monarchs.

The defender moved to Europe in 2019, joining Swedish top flight club IF Elfsborg, and after two impressive years, he switched to Gent in June 2021 in a deal worth €3.5 million.

He made a €12 million transfer to Reims last summer following interest from a host of European teams and has become a key member of coach Will Still’s team, starting 10 of the 11 matches he has been available for this season.

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