After years of uncertainty and rather short, temporary stints in Greece (PAOK), Sweden (AIK), and Finland (KuPS), Collins Sichenje seems to have finally found the environment and the club in Europe that suit him and would allow him to thrive.Just two months following his arrival from Swedish AIK on loan to Serbian powerhouse FC Vojvodina Novi Sad in July 2024, the 21-year-old centre-back signed a three-year deal with the red and whites.EXCLUSIVE: Serbia becomes Collins Sichenje’s permanent home after Vojvodina pays AIK Ksh57.2 millionHis impressive displays against Ajax Amsterdam in the Conference League qualifiers a month before his 21st birthday proved that the boy born in Butere is on the right track after years of wandering. And it has been like that ever since…”After limited playing time in Sweden, I told my agent that a loan move would be a good option for me. Vojvodina called, and I accepted it,” explained Sichenje a few days ago in an interview with Serbian TV Arena Sport before adding:”I like this environment. I think that here in Novi Sad if you are humble, everyone is ready to help you. The atmosphere within the club is like a family. Most importantly, Vojvodina appreciates what I do, they have shown they believe in me”.Sichenje for Mozzart Sport: “I knew my moment would come no matter what, all I needed was patience”In hindsight, the defender, who has made three appearances for the Harambee Stars since his debut in 2021, concludes that some non-football-related circumstances prevented him from excelling earlier.”In Greece, I realized that football is truly what I want to do. I saw what foreign leagues look like and understood that this is the way of life I want to have. I spent a year in Greece, after which I returned to Kenya to sort out some bureaucratic matters. In the meantime, the club in Greece changed its sporting director, who had his own philosophy, which led to me having to return to Kenya.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8640797##The former AFC Leopards centre-back opened up about his upbringing too, and the turbulent footballing journey that followed. Thankfully, he had the most essential support and tutor – his dad.”When it comes to me and football, my father played a big role. From a young age, he followed every step of my path, and his presence motivated me a lot. He was with me from the very beginning, from my early childhood, as well as throughout my growing up.”Interestingly, Sichenje also expressed gratitude to a person who, as he says, is not on good terms anymore. Still, he remains thankful to a man who helped him embark on his football adventure.”There is this one person in Kenya…” he said, without mentioning his name. “We’re no longer on good terms now because I switched agencies, but I will forever be grateful to that guy because he trained me as if I were his own son. He took me under his wing, and there wasn’t anything he wasn’t willing to do for me,” revealed Sichenje.
