Kenyan defender Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma has revealed his ambitions to help Polish top-tier club Raków Częstochowa reach the UEFA Champions League next season following his recent move to the club.At 28, Ouma joined Raków from Sweden’s AIK, where he previously played in the UEFA Conference League during the 2022–23 season.That experience has fueled his determination to compete at the highest level, with the Champions League now firmly in his sights.##NAJAVA_MECA_8502090##Raków, who participated in the Champions League last season, reached the fourth qualifying round before dropping to the Europa League. Ouma hopes to help the club make it to the group stages in his debut campaign.In an exclusive interview with TelecomAsia.net, Ouma spoke about his goals with Raków and his journey to Europe.”My primary goal was to come here and earn a regular starting spot, and so far, so good,” Ouma said. “I also want to help the team win trophies, including the league title, which will help us qualify for European competitions.”Ouma, who began his professional career at Gor Mahia in Kenya, has had a long and patient journey through European football.Michael Olunga reflects on Harambee Stars’ AFCON heartbreak, calls for infrastructure developmentAfter starting in Georgia with Kolkheti Poti in 2017, he moved to Albania’s KS Kastrioti before settling in Sweden, where he helped Vassalunds IF rise to the second tier.His time at AIK saw him become a regular starter, and now at Raków, he is focused on taking the next step in his career.”I dream of playing in the Champions League with Raków, and I believe it’s achievable,” he added. “This is a really competitive team, and we’ve started the season well. If we keep pushing, I’m confident we can achieve our goals.”Former international calls for Engin Firat’s sacking after AFCON missHaving overcome an early-season injury setback, Ouma is now fully fit and eager to maintain a strong level of performance throughout the season.”It was tough at the start with the injury, but I’m fully recovered now, feeling stronger and ready to continue delivering,” he said.Off the pitch, Ouma is adjusting to life in Poland, even learning the language to better integrate into his new environment.“The cultural shift from Sweden to Poland has been significant, but I’m adjusting day by day,” he shared. “I’ve started Polish classes to help me communicate with my teammates and the local community.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8507735##Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, Ouma is optimistic about the future. “Everyone here has been very supportive, but I’m not looking forward to the winter,” he laughed. “I’ve experienced cold weather in Sweden, so hopefully Poland’s winter won’t be too harsh!”Ouma’s ambition, hard work, and determination are clear, and with Raków’s promising start to the season, the Kenyan defender is aiming to help the club achieve European glory.
