Budding centre-back Manzur Suleiman Okwaro is hoping to sign his first-ever professional contract this year after joining the 11Management player agency.Okwaro signed for the renowned agency at the start of the month signaling a possibility of a move to Europe.The left-footed center-back had, a taste of European football after attending, trials with French side Nantes B alongside, compatriot Linus Munyao in October last year.Having penned a deal with the agency that manages Kenyan international Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, Okwaro believes that it is just a matter of time before his dream of playing in Europe comes true.While his peers consider the Kenyan Premier League as one of the platforms for expressing talent to the world, the 18-year-old hopes to chart a different course.“My prayer is to sign for a European club this year. I have invested a lot in terms of being physically and mentally ready for the move,” he told Mozzart Sport.Kenya U20 star joins reputable player agency, eyes european moveMeanwhile, Okwaro lifted the lid on the experience he gathered in France.The Webuye-born player, who at some point was linked with a move to Kariobangi Sharks, said the time he spent with Nantes B fueled his desire to succeed in his career.‘It was an awesome experience which taught me a lot of things. It was my first time in Europe. I feel like I returned home a more composed defender. The biggest take-home from the trial program was how coaches in Nantes pay attention to tactics rather than powerplay. Their facilities are good as well,” said the defender who named Tusker centre-back Tom Teka as his best friend.Minutes for Lopaga in Brest’s win over FC MINSKLocally, Okwaro is best known for helping the national U18 team reach the CECAFA final in last year’s edition held in Kisumu.He also featured for the U20 team that settled for silver in the Four Nations tournament held in Malawi in March.Although he missed both titles, he is satisfied with his performances with the junior national teams.Kusaba scores debut goal as City Stars drown Seal“It was an honour to represent the country. Much as we didn’t clinch the titles, I feel we made the country proud,” he said.Okwaro joined National Super League Rainbow FC in 2022 at a time when the outfit was in the third tier.He joined the club after completing studies at St. Anthony’s Boys High School, Kitale.
