Kenya Police FC midfielder Charles Ouma has confirmed his switch of allegiance to the South Sudan national team, dealing Kenya a blow as he is one of the highly-rated young defensive midfielders in the country.The remarkable performances of the left-footed player in the league with the law enforcers impressed Harambee Stars’ coach Engin Firat. As a result, he was selected for the national team in July 2023 to participate in the Four Nations tournament held in Mauritius last year. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7938731##Despite his inclusion, he did not feature in any of the three matches played during the tournament.He did not receive a call-up during the September, October, and November international breaks, with Teddy Akumu, Duncan Otieno, and Richard Odada being preferred in his position. This appears to have swayed his decision to move to South Sudan.In an interview after Sunday’s game against Muhoroni Youth FC at the Police Sacco grounds, the towering midfielder confirmed that he had agreed to play for Africa’s youngest footballing nation.“I’m keen on playing international football to enhance my player profile; it’s something I’m genuinely interested in. We’ve been in discussions for some time because they sought me out, and I couldn’t decline the opportunity,” the soft-spoken midfielder stated.England-based Obiero named in Kenya U-20 teamThe player was quick to dismiss the notion that he was forced into making the nationality switch, stating that it was a decision that he made on his own with a clear conscience.“I wasn’t coerced into changing; it was a choice I made for myself. They had been observing me, recognizing my strengths, and when they approached me with the opportunity, I decided to seize it,” he elaborated.South Sudan has been on a serious recruitment drive in Kenya for the last few years, acquiring all the players who have their roots there. Kenyan-born players such as Saad Musa and Jackson Dwang are already capped by South Sudan.Other players currently based or previously based in Kenya who have since heeded the call include Paul Jawa of Rainbow FC, Arap Koul, a midfielder from Martis FC, John Kuol, David Majak, Daniel Bichok of Nairobi United, among others.Ouma is in line for his debut this March as Bright Stars’ journey begins on March 20th when they travel to Sao Tome for the first leg of the qualifiers. The return leg is scheduled for March 26th in Berkane, Morocco.Goalkeeper Brian Olang’o found tortured and broke after abduction
