Zambian Super League giants Zesco United are interested in acquiring Kenyan defender Christopher Oruchum in the off-season transfer window.The central defender is currently attached to Tanzanian Premier League side Namungo having joined the Lindi based club in July 2022 from Tusker.Oruchum worked with the current Zesco technical director Honour Janza at Namungo, an outfit he tutored between December 2021 to December 2022.##NAJAVA_MECA_7292198##In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Oruchum revealed that Zesco haven’t given up in the chase to land his signature having missed it in the January transfer window.“Zesco were keen on signing me in January but the deal fell through. I can confirm that, they have contacted my agent again with an aim of sealing a deal in the off-season window,” he disclosed.Sharks skipper Otiala focused on Harambee Stars debut after maiden call upOruchum’s decision to ditch Kenyan champions Tusker for Namungo, a team that is barely five years old was viewed as a downgrade in his career.The Masters student at the University of Nairobi was part of the Tusker squad that won the league in the 2020-2021 season and played a crucial role in the club’s impressive run in the past campaign that was annulled by the federation.He revealed that the deal Namungo tabled was too sweet to reject and thus, had to cut ties with the brewers who were willing to extend his contract.“Many people including close friends questioned my decision to leave Tusker for Namungo. There are those who felt that by remaining at Tusker I would win more titles. I had similar thoughts but whatever Namungo placed on my table made the difference. As a business student, numbers matter a lot,” he opened up.The former Thika United defender lifted the lid on the drama he witnessed in the negotiation table as Tusker attempted to entice him from crossing the border by increasing his salary.Raila Odinga expresses displeasure with Gor Mahia’s recent performance as second-string side heads to EmbuHowever, Namungo who have close ties with Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa returned with a lucrative offer that proved the tie breaker. The club has six commercial partners.“When I got the first offer from Namungo, I approached Humphrey Mieno for advice. He told me to take it but Tusker were willing to extend my contract and upscale my salary. At some point, I was tempted to renew my stay at Tusker. Namungo however sealed the negotiation by rocketing their offer, financially,” he said.“Matano and the rest of the team blessed the move. I remain grateful to Tusker for the platform they offered me and more importantly, for believing and signing me when I was half-fit,” he stated.Harambee Stars custodian Otieno anticipating tough season ender in ZambiaCommenting on life in the Tanzanian league, Oruchum who scouted in the Copa Coca-Cola tournament eleven years ago said, he was relishing his first season and liking every bit of his stay at Namungo.Even though he admitted to have struggled in adapting to their style of play which is more tactical and contrasts power play that is largely embraced by Kenyan clubs, he insists that he doesn’t regret making a move to the Tanzanian league.“Their league is heads and shoulders above ours. Teams here have sound structures and play attractive football. It is all about entertaining the fans who back the teams courtesy of their policy to regionalize the game. “My first weeks were a little bit tough as I had been accustomed to power play. Whatever I learnt at Thika United when I was starting came in handy as their systems and style of play is similar to that of Namungo,” he narrated.Against All Odds: The inspirational journey of Paul Jawa, refugee turned football starMeanwhile the former AFC Leopards man weighed in on allegations that insinuate that sorcery is deeply rooted in Tanzanian football.“I do not believe in black magic and neither does it help when it comes to football. I might have seen some random and uncanny practices but I am never keen on them. I respect what others believe in,” he said.Oruchum intends to transition into management once he hangs up his boots.
