On June 20th 2021, after months of online speculation in the footballing sphere, Harambee Stars fast rising centre back Joseph Okumu signed on the dotted line to complete his switch from Sweden to Belgian side KAA Gent in a reported 449 million move.The player’s trajectory that is certainly on the ascendancy finding a new home in Belgium following a career that humbly started at Chemelil Sugar (Kenya), then Free State Stars (South Africa), then Real Monarchs (United States of America) and lastly IF Elfsborg (Sweden) before the latest move to Gent, a club that has been playing in the Belgian First Division A since the 1989–90 season.Welcome Joseph Okumu (@okumu_stanley)! 🇰🇪 Keniaan🙋🏾♂️ 24 jaar⚽ Verdediger#kaagent #transferhttps://t.co/OqGVOJvQ6a— KAA Gent (@KAAGent) June 21, 2021 Only four days after completing the switch, Okumu spoke exclusively to Mozzart Sport detailing what informed his decision to move to Belgium, his prominent advice to young footballers who are certainly looking up to him now, his expectations on what will be the very first time for him playing European football in the UEFA competitions, his role models growing up and why his impressive high school footballing group is excelling at this thing called soccer.Transfer speculation surrounding you really started a very long time. Rumours emerged from all over including Spain, Scotland and France. How did you handle the whole saga and did it affect your performance on the pitch?I don’t think so. Definitely it is hectic but I have people who help me cope with the pressure really well. That makes my work easier because I only have to focus on doing my work on the field as they take care of the other business. They are very understanding in the sense that when I talk to them we get on well which makes it easier for me to fully concentrate on the pitch.Out of all the numerous teams we heard that were after you, why Belgium?It was not a move just for the sake of making a move because of figures or the league or anything like that. It was about going to a place where I can make a career progression and getting a place where I can keep growing my game. That is why I chose and settled to go to Belgium.How did you reach the point of making this final decision?I talked to several people before coming to a conclusion and before settling. I wanted to find out about what was the best decision to make so I talked to several people. I talked to Johanna ‘Tosh’ Omollo as well because he has played in Belgium and he was very positive about it. I talked to him last and that sealed the fate.Is it true that there was interest from the likes of Rangers and Celtic? (Laughs) Yes there was interest but I do not know too much about them.Look who’s here🤩New @KAAGent signing @okumu_stanley says hello👋🏾Something is cooking♨️#StanleyOkumu #StarsAbroad pic.twitter.com/pVuwpFOKd4— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) June 24, 2021 Before Belgium, you have previously played abroad in South Africa, USA and Sweden before this latest move. Where is it that you enjoyed playing and how have the places you have played in shaped you till this point?Growth wise, it has been all over but I think the United States of America really played a big part in shaping me up. Mentally, South Africa helped me grow a lot because that was my first stint outside of the country. Physically, and with movements and everything, it is USA that helped me. Overally, I really enjoyed playing in Sweden because I played lots of games there.Before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), going by comments posted on social media following the call up you received to the national team, most people did not know who you are. Do you believe it is AFCON that spurred on your career to where it is now?100%Your new club, Gent, will be playing in the new Uefa Conference League and this will be the very first time you will get a chance to play European football. How does this make you feel and what are your expectations?Definitely looking forward to it. Every player wants to play at the top level and I hope my first experience will be a good one.It is hard to see fans praising a player who is leaving their club. But that is what the Elfsborg fans did to you after the club announced your departure. What was the special bond you had with the Swedish fans?I am not even sure but I think anytime I went to play I represented them and the club well and that is why they showed the love. I gave my best in representing the club whenever I played.For all the big performances, tackles, decisive interceptions and for always keeping a smile on your face. Thank you Joe, and best of luck in Belgium 🇧🇪💛___________#ViTillsammans #Elfsborg #Borås pic.twitter.com/1zjayTu3kI— IF Elfsborg (@IFElfsborg1904) June 21, 2021 Who was your role model in the game growing up?In Kenya it was Brian ‘Niang’ Mandela (currently with Mamelodi Sundowns, south Africa) and David ‘Calabar’ Owino (currently with Napsa Stars, Zambia). Abroad, I looked up to Kalidou Koulibaly andThiago Silva.You are now a role model on your own with kids looking up to you. What would be your message to them?Keep working and keep the faith. Also, choose wisely the people you keep around you because they play a very huge role and a very big influence in your life. Be with people who can help you to grow. People who tell you what you do not know and who expand your mind. Be with people who push you to keep on grinding in whatever you are strong at.Brian Mandela is a PSL Champion. Lifted the title today with Mamelodi Sundowns. Second Kenyan after Musa Otieno to win the league title in South Africa.Congratulations Niang.#KenyansAbroad pic.twitter.com/kxzJNblnQ1— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) June 5, 2021 You are part of a 2015 Kakamega High School group that consisted of Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Edwin Mukolwe (Bidco United), Alphonce Ndonye (Mathare United), James Mazembe (Kariobangi Sharks), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), Vitalis Akumu (Western Stima), Pistone Mutamba (Sofapaka), Apollo Otieno (Tusker), Kevin Monyi (Tusker), Brian Wepo (KCB), Michael Mutinda (KCB), Stephen Etyang’ (Kakamega Homeboyz). Most of you have made it into top flight football with you and Marcelo making it abroad. What would you say was special about that team and how is it that a large number have made it this far?First of all, I think all of us were gifted with talent and we were all united. We worked as a unit and that is the key thing that made us do well. It is still what is making us do well. The development was also very crucial for us back then because we were prepared mentally. We did not just start playing in the first year. I started playing at the end of the second year I think. So two years of just sitting, observing and learning the ropes. I think that created a character of not giving up which is still helping us till now.
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What was your biggest challenge since making move outside the country?Adjusting to a different environment because when you go to foreign country you do not have friends or family which makes it very lonely but as you grow you have to learn how to deal with it, how to manage and cope with it. South Africa was definitely the hardest because it was my first time out of the country.What does a typical day look like for Okumu?Wake up. Freshen up. Take breakfast couple of hours before the session. Go to training, but you have to be early like ten minutes before you have to be there. Prepare mentally. Get dressed, take your time not in a rush. Finish the session. Eat well. Go back home. Hydrate. Sleep. That is basically my day.On my off day, I do not go out a so much so I just stay indoors and talk to my family and listen to lots of music.What would be your message to your Kenyan fans after this latest move?I just want to appreciate them for the love and for the support. Everybody who has been around me, helping me to develop and in giving me a peace of mind and a decent time, I just want to thank them because I know it is not easy but with their support and love this has been possible and I appreciate them so much.Message to Elfsborg fansThe Elfsborg fans have been amazing though we missed them at the Arena. Online they have been supporting us and anytime we had a chance to meet, they have been amazing and I wish them well. It was a distant stay but we all knew it was time to leave and I hope when the time comes I will probably go back.
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