Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice president Mcdonald Mariga has tipped fast-rising Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy Ouma to thrive in UEFA Champions League and secure move to one of Europe’s top five leagues. Ouma made a Ksh473 million move to, Czech Republic giants, Slavia Prague in January after surprisingly cutting ties with Swedish side IF Elfsborg, whom he was largely expected to play for, at least until the end of the season. The move to Slavia will most-likely see Ouma join the list of Kenyan players to have tasted Champions League action, as the club is well on course to retain the league. Additionally, Slavia have a rich history of making regular appearances in the tournament, which is regarded as Europe’s and World’s best inter-club tournament. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8726960##Having won it with Italian giants Inter Milan in 2009, Mariga is confident that Ouma will carry his UEFA Europa League form to the top tier and attract the attention of bigger clubs. Before his move to Slavia, Ouma was an influential player for Elfsborg, especially in Europa League assignments where he brought the best version of his game, earning himself offers from other teams in the process. At some point, the 20-year old was linked with a move to Italian side AS Roma with English clubs; Luton Town, Sheffield United among others keeping close tabs on him. Mariga, just like many Kenyans, believe that Ouma’s meteoric rise suggest that he is destined to the top European leagues. “He made a good move which will see him play in the Champions League. I wish him well at his new club. If he performs well, especially in the Champions League, big clubs from Spain, Italy and England will come knocking,” Mariga told Mozzart Sport in an exclusive interview, shortly after witnessing the draw for the 2025 Mozzart Bet Cup. Nairobi City Stars midfielder tips younger brother to join EPL in futureMariga, regarded as one of the successful Kenyan footballers, however, opened up on the things Ouma should avoid and work on if he is to make it to the top level. “Everything else will be fine if he consistently keeps on working on his weaknesses. He has to be disciplined on and off the pitch,” offered the former Real Sociedad man. Meanwhile, Mariga pledged to strengthen FKF’s scouting capacity in a bid to tap in more players, from the grassroots, before moulding them for European markets. Timothy Ouma tipped to follow McDonald Mariga’s path by winning Champions LeagueThe former Parma midfielder said Ouma’s quick rise from school games to Europe was an indicator of the talents the country had but had remained unearthed. “I have no doubt in my mind that we have many Oumas out there. We will improve the federation’scouting system to tap more players. We will also train former players to help in scouting. We will have them spread all over just to ensure that no talent goes to waste,” added Mariga, who came into FKF office in December last year.
