When Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma is primed for debut after Sh150 million transfer

© Rakow Czestochowa.

STARS ABROAD When Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma is primed for debut after Sh150 million transfer

Festus Chuma 10:20 - 16.01.2024

Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma is set for official debut in Poland's Ekstraklasa League after a successful training camp in Turkey.

Harambee Stars left-back Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma is gearing up for his much-anticipated debut with Polish club Rakow Czestochowa following his sensational Ksh150 million transfer from Swedish side AIK.

Fans and football enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting to see the Kenyan talent in action on the European stage, and the date for his debut is now set.

The Polish top-flight league, Ekstraklasa, in which Rakow Czestochowa competes, is set to resume action on February 11. Ouma's first match with his new club will be against Warta Poznan at Stadion Groclinu Dyskobolii.

The clash promises to be an exciting one, with Rakow Czestochowa currently occupying the fourth spot on the league standings, just nine points behind table leaders Salck Wroclam.

In contrast, their opponents, Warta Poznan, are languishing in the 15th position with 19 points from the same number of matches.

Before the official league match, Ouma is expected to get some playing time in club friendlies during the team's training camp in Turkey.

The friendlies are scheduled against Mura on January 24, Ludogorets on January 27, Maribor on February 1, and Dniprola on February 2 at venues to be decided.

Ouma's transfer, which was finalized last Thursday, saw Rakow Czestochowa shell out a staggering Ksh150 million to acquire his services.

His remarkable performances at AIK had garnered attention from several European clubs, ultimately leading to his move in December.

Reports from the Swedish press suggest that AIK received a fee of approximately 10 million Swedish Krona (Ksh156,674,156) for the transfer, with Ouma being offered a salary close to $10,000 (Ksh1,606,865).

Additionally, his former club, Vasalund IF, is set to receive 30 percent of the transfer fee as part of the deal.

In an interview with the club's media, Ouma expressed his pride in joining Rakow Czestochowa and highlighted the attractive style of football they play.

"Poland has a good league, and I am proud to be a part of this great team, which is performing well and playing good football," he said.

When asked about adapting to life in Poland, Ouma pointed out the similarity in weather between Poland and Sweden, which he believes will aid in his quick adjustment.

"I have not spoken to anyone because I think Poland and Sweden have the same kind of weather; it is quite similar," he added.

Ouma's journey to the European football scene has been an exciting one.

He began his career with Gor Mahia in 2016, immediately after completing his KCSE exams.

Subsequently, he ventured abroad, first joining the Georgian side Kolkheti Poti and later moving to Albania to sign for KS Kastrioti.

Following a season in Albania, he made his way to Sweden, where he played for Vasalund IF before his standout performances led him to AIK.

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