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Sharks sold the 18-year-old midfielder to 2018 Swedish champions AIK for a big sum.
In a landmark deal for Kenyan football, Kariobangi Sharks have secured a lucrative transfer fee of nearly USD200,000 (Ksh25.8 million) from the sale of their 18-year-old midfield prodigy, Stanley Wilson Omondi, to Swedish giants AIK Fotboll.
The move, finalised on Wednesday, marks a significant milestone in Omondi’s burgeoning career and highlights the growing value of Kenyan talent on the global stage.
Wilson Omondi’s journey from the Kenyan Premier League to one of Sweden’s top clubs is nothing short of meteoric
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12:15 - 23.08.2024
Harambee Stars teenage protege reveals ambitions after completing long-awaited move to Swedish giants AIK
The 18-year-old star reveals plans after completing his long-awaited move to AIK, having agreed terms to join the Swedish outfit last February.
The national U20 team captain had barely completed a season in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) before catching the eye of AIK during a trial in February. His impressive performances earned him a three-year contract, signed just days after his 18th birthday.
For Kariobangi Sharks, Omondi’s move represents the culmination of a well-calculated investment strategy. The young midfielder was brought in from National Super League side Darajani Gogo just a year ago, and his rapid development has now paid off handsomely for the club.
“Not Bad Business” Says Sharks Chairman
Sharks chairman Robert Maoga expressed satisfaction with the financial return on Omondi’s transfer. “We got between USD 150,000 and 200,000 from the deal. It is not bad business considering that the player turned 18 this week and was just a season old in the top tier,” Maoga told Mozzart Sport.
This transaction stands as the second-highest transfer fee ever received by the Sharks, only behind the USD 65,000 (approximately Ksh8.4 million) earned from Masud Juma’s move to South Africa’s Cape Town City FC in 2018.
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16:54 - 21.06.2024
'They nicknamed me Kante' - Harambee Stars wonderkid revels in amazing experience on trial in Sweden
The Kenya U-20 star will be joining Swedish outfit AIK when he turns 18 this August.
The substantial return underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and leveraging the international market to maximise player value.
A New Model for Success
Maoga envisions this as just the beginning of a profitable trend for Kariobangi Sharks. “We hope to continue churning out talents for such markets annually. Our footballers need to get to the European markets when they are young, and this calls for more scouting and having strong youth systems in our local clubs,” he explained.
This strategy aligns with AIK Fotboll’s previous investments in Kenyan talent, including the acquisition of Henry Meja from Tusker for Ksh15 million in 2021 and Collins Sichenje for Ksh6 million in May 2022. The Scandinavian club’s continued interest in Kenyan players reflects the growing reputation of the country’s footballing prospects.
Omondi’s transfer to Sweden isn’t the only successful transaction for Kariobangi Sharks this off-season.
The club also netted significant sums from the domestic market, with the sales of Julius Masaba to AFC Leopards and Geoffrey Onyango to Kenya Police bringing in Ksh1.5 million. Last year, Sharks earned over Ksh2 million from Tyson Otieno’s transfer to Kenya Police, further highlighting the club’s effectiveness in player development and sales.
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12:05 - 23.06.2024
Michael Olunga finally reveals whether former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger replied to his 'come-get-me plea' at Gor Mahia
The Kenya captain has revealed whether former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger replied to his come-and-get-me plea nine years ago while playing for Gor Mahia.
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