Harambee Stars left-back Erick Ouma, or Marcelo, as the former Gor Mahia overlapping defender is fondly referred to as, has cemented his place in coach Andreas Brännström’s main squad at AIK, and is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the Swedish top-tier. Yet, regardless of individual growth, which saw him bag Man of the Match accolades a couple of times, the overall target of the team was not met last year as they finished 5th, four places behind BK Hacken.AIK has not won the coveted gong since 2018.”Last season was good, especially for, even though we didn’t reach our targets as a team, but this season we are preparing well and hoping to achieve our goals that we have set for the coming season,” the Harambee Stars left back told Mozzart Sport from his base in Stockholm, Sweden. The new 2023 Allsvensken season is expected to begin next month, with AIK traveling to Halmstand on April 2 for their opener.Meanwhile, the team is still alive in the preseason Svenska Cupen where they are scheduled to play Hammarby on March 13.##NAJAVA_MECA_7088079##Marcelo has also been a cog in the Harambee Stars backline and featured in the team’s last Africa Cup of Nations appearance in 2019 in Egypt. As Kenya returns to international football later this month following a one year ban over government interference, Marcelo is open to a call up national duty.”For the call up, I leave it for the coach, and when called up, I will be ready to represent Kenya as always.” Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat promises surprise call-ups for Burundi friendliesStars have secured two back to back friendlies against Burundi’s Intamba m’Urugamba on March 25th and 28th in Nairobi. Head coach Engin Firat is already in the country scouting for players, alongside his two assistants; Ken Odhiambo and William Muluya.Marcelo has been linked to bigger clubs in Europe including in France, Italy and England, but he says he will wait for the right moment. “There are many opportunities and of course I’m planning to move but for now I’m focused for the coming season.”
