Ryan Ogam: Kenyan Diplomat Reveals What Surprised Austrian Club About Harambee Stars Striker

A Kenyan diplomat has shared some behind the scenes preparations that eased Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam into his new surroundings in Austria.

Ogam was finally unveiled by Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC last week following his signing in the summer transfer window from Tusker FC and he was received like royalty.

According to Mauruce Makoloo, the Kenyan ambassador to Austria, the Kenyan embassy in the European nation pulled all stops to ensure Ogam was welcomed in the best way possible as they joined Wolfsberger officials in receiving the player at the airport before accompanying him to his new club for his contract signing and unveiling, something that left the Austrian club by surprise.

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“On Wednesday, I was honoured to welcome Harambee Stars’ Ryan Ogam to Vienna as he joins Wolfsberger AC — the first Kenyan signed by an Austrian Bundesliga club,” Makoloo posted on social media.

“Our Embassy team joined Wolfsberger AC officials at Vienna Airport to receive him. The officials later told us that in their many years of receiving signed players, it was only the first time that an embassy had joined them.”

The diplomat then shared details of the player’s first days in Austria, urging Kenyans in the European nation to get behind Wolfsberger and help push Ogam to success as he begins a new chapter of his career.

“Looking relaxed despite the long travels, Ogam’s first stop was our Embassy, where the Deputy Head of Mission Amb. @ValerieRugene, the staff and I were privileged to welcome him. We reminded him that the @KenyaEmbVienna is his home and the Kenyan community and his family in Austria,” he added.

“Ogam expressed his excitement about this new chapter of his life and his appreciation to the embassy promising to do his best and represent Kenya well #SportsAmbassador #CulturalEnvoy.

“Wolfsberger AC presented us with Ryan’s shirt and invited Kenyans in Austria to support the club at upcoming matches. We wish Ryan every success as he embarks on this historic journey.”

Ogam was given shirt No.11 at the club and is now being eased slowly into the squad, having watched from the stands as Wolfsberger beat LASK 1-0 on Saturday, to move to third place on the Austrian Bundesliga table with 14 points, three behind leaders Rapid Vienna after eight matches.

“This is a massive dream come true for me and I am really excited to finally arrive here. I know the task ahead of me is huge and I feel honoured to have that kind of responsibility placed on my shoulders, to fly the Kenyan flag high,” Ogam told Telecomasia.net about his move.

“I am looking forward to the challenge and I am ready for it. I am excited to start training with the rest of the boys and just get myself immersed in the culture and start playing some football. My ambition definitely is to settle in quickly with the team, do well and keep scoring goals to help the team achieve its targets.”

The Kenyan striker will hope to make his debut on Saturday October 4 when Wolfsberger play away to bottom club Grazer AK.