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Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu has explained why playing for Harambee Stars means so much to him.
Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu has explained the precise reason why representing Kenya means so much to him.
Okumu is currently the only player plying his trade in Europe’s top five leagues, playing for Stade Reims in France, and has been a key figure for Kenya ever since the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt.
The 26-year-old has been in impeccable form since starting his European escapade and is expected to play a key role in the next couple of years as Kenya aims to be competitive in time for the home 2027 AFCON.
“It is a country that brought us up, a country I am proud of,” Okumu told members of the press in a recent press conference facilitated by the club.
“Just going back and representing my country knowing that I represent millions of people is a good feeling.
“Knowing that they entrust you with the trust of representing the flag is an amazing feeling. Every player wants to represent their country and I feel very proud.”
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21:00 - 03.05.2024
Will Still reveals the qualities Kenyan defender Joseph Okumu can work on to reach the very top
The Harambee Stars defender has done well in Ligue 1 since joining Stade Reims from Belgian outfit Gent last July.
Kenya have had a topsy-turvy start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, losing 2-1 away to Gabon before thrashing Seychelles 5-0 last November, to leave them on three points in a Group F that also has African champions Ivory Coast, The Gambia and Burundi.
The Ivorians and Gabon, have a maximum of six points from Group F ahead of their meeting with Kenya in June when Harambee Stars will also face Burundi and a loss will leave Engin Firat’s men in a delicate position.
Head coach Engin Firat has insisted Kenya should not only qualify for the 2025 AFCON, but also make the knockout stages as they build a team towards the 20@7 tournament, which they will co-host with neighbours Tanzania and Uganda.
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17:00 - 03.05.2024
What Joseph Okumu's now ex-coach Will Still has said on potential Sunderland job after Reims departure
Still, who made headlines in 2023 as the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues without a Pro License, whas relieved of his duties as Reims coach on Monday despite an impressive season.
In an earlier interview with BBC Africa, Okumu feels the country has slept for far too long and should be making it regularly to the continental event.
"I think it is big for us to make it to the next tournament," Okumu said.
"We've been undermined for so long. I think we have the capability, and we have the quality to be appearing in the Africa Cup of Nations regularly."
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19:12 - 04.05.2024
Kenyan winger seeking senior team promotion after winning Leicester City award
A young Kenyan footballer has responded positively after being awarded the Development Squad Player of the Season at Leicester City.
The Stade de Reims defender also feels Kenya should be aiming higher given they have never made it to the World Cup since such tournaments serve as an opportunity to expose the players globally.
"It will be a dream come true (to reach the World Cup), not even for us only as the players but as a nation," added Okumu.
"We have not featured so many times during the Africa Cup of Nations, but it will be an interesting thing to see the country participate in the World Cup as well. It will be something important," concluded Okumu.
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