National Super League (NSL) side Migori Youth have entered into a partnership with Lindsey Wilson College in the United States, which will allow top talents from the club to further their studies abroad, Mozzart Sport can confirm.The long-term partnership aims to give players from the Migori region a chance to showcase their talents with the college team, known as the Blue Raiders, according to Migori Youth Chairman Osman Aziz.”We have an agreement with the college that will allow players from Migori Youth to advance their education in the US after their Form 4 exams,” he told Mozzart Sport.”It is an open opportunity for the people of Migori, but we must evaluate them first. We can’t just take anyone; that’s why we are starting with Migori Youth as we scout more talents who will soon board the plane,” he added.##NAJAVA_MECA_8202208##The first beneficiary of the scholarship is teen sensation and Harambee Stars Under-23 winger Elly Owande, who is set to sit for his visa examination on July 17, 2024, after receiving an invitation from the college, as per documents obtained by this publication.”Dear Elly,“It gives me great pleasure to inform you that your application for admission to Lindsey Wilson College has been approved by the Admissions Committee. This acceptance is an expression of our confidence in you as a person and in your ability to be successful in college,” reads part of Owande’s acceptance letter.“Lindsey Wilson College is one of the leading independent colleges in Kentucky. Since 1903, our graduates have gone on to successful careers in such areas as business, law, medicine, social services, and teacher education. Our academic and student life program has been specially designed to help you make a successful transition to college,” it continued.📹 | Our Starboy Elly Owande’s goal for Kenya’s🇰🇪 under-18 team against Sudan 🔥#WeAreMYTA #JuniorStars pic.twitter.com/AlUTcEhBhK— Migori Youth FC (@MigoriYouth) November 25, 2023 Samuel Kapen on what he brings to the table after joining Gor Mahia on a two-year dealOwande has had a breakthrough season in football, progressing from the second tier to representing the country in the Under-18, Under-20, and Under-23 categories.In the just-completed campaign, he scored six goals and provided four assists, despite taking breaks from the team for national duties.His impressive performances have made him a highly sought-after player in the ongoing transfer window, with Premier League sides Kenya Police, Bidco United, and Kariobangi Sharks all interested in his services.”We have interest from top-flight league teams, but everything depends on the college deal. As a team, we would like to see him advance his education, so we are not going to enter into any agreements with any club in the country at the moment,” said Aziz.Vihiga Bullets rebrands to Samwest BlackbootsWhen contacted, the St. Antony’s Boys Kitale alumnus echoed Migori’s stance but left doors open for teams in the country.”I have offers, but the sole focus is on education. If I can secure the USA move, the better; if it fails, then I will weigh options,” Owande said.
