Kenya international Vincent Oburu has brought an end to his turbulent stint at Zambia’s Zesco United by signing an 18-month contract with Richards Bay FC in South Africa.Oburu leaves the Zambian side after nearly two years, during which he faced limited playing time and battled injuries. He hopes to rejuvenate his career at Richards Bay, where he will reunite with fellow Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno.##NAJAVA_MECA_8598387##The forward’s dream of playing in South Africa has finally materialized after an earlier move fell through last season. In September 2023, he was close to joining Amazulu, but the deal collapsed. Zesco then loaned him to NAPSA Stars for the second half of last season.This season, Oburu has not featured for Zesco, and with his contract ending, he opted for a new challenge in South Africa, where he will link up with his former AFC Leopards and Zesco United teammate Otieno.However, his new club, Richards Bay, is struggling, sitting second-last on the league table with just eight points from 11 matches. The team will need an immediate turnaround in the new year to secure their top-flight status.Shabana’s Brian Michira on how he will cope with Mathew Tegisi’s absenceOburu could make his debut for the club on Saturday, January 5, 2025, if his work permit is processed in time. Richards Bay is set to face Marumo Gallants away on that day.Career overviewOburu began his career at AFC Leopards in 2017 after an impressive performance in the KPL U20 tournament in December 2016 with Ingwe’s youth team. His early career was disrupted by a six-month suspension due to a double-signing dispute with Gor Mahia.Karamoja Super Cup finals set for Saturday in KakamegaFootball Kenya Federation (FKF) banned him for the first half of the 2017 season before he was cleared to play in the second half, where he scored in the Shield final victory over Kariobangi Sharks.After three years at Leopards, Oburu moved to the now-defunct Wazito FC for one and a half seasons before joining Zesco United in December 2022.He is a full Kenya international and was part of the Harambee Stars squad that won the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in 2017.Why Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards need a local coach – Ken Kenyatta
