Collins Sichenje applauds his loan stay with Kuopio Palloseura

Kenyan international and AIK defender Collins Sichenje has admitted he loved life out on loan with Finnish top-tier side Kuopio Palloseura.

The 20-year-old, who moved to AIK last year for an undisclosed fee, struggled for first-team appearance for the Sweden side before making a move to Finland Premier League in search of more minutes. He played on several occasions cementing his place in the Veikkausliiga runners-up team.

The center-back has gone from strength to strength over the past few months and culminated the impressive season with the club’s Best Young Player of the Season award.

Sichenje, who quickly became a fan favorite at Kups thanks to his committed performances, told the AIK media team in an exclusive interview “I just loved the club, the fans are great. The adrenaline rush I got from interacting with the fans is something you can’t beat. It means the world. I loved every minute.”

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The former AFC Leopards midfielder cum defender praised the club for sending him out on loan noting it was the best decision of his career.

“I felt it was the right decision the club made for me to go on loan because even on the side I needed the minutes so that I could even push myself beyond my limits and learn many things of the game,” he noted.

The no-nonsense defender also divulged that the loan move helped him to develop as a player and learn more aspects of the game during his stay in Finland.

“I have developed as a player due to the regular playing time I got there and I have learned to be calm, patient, and understanding of the game. Now I am a different player from what I was when I joined AIK,” he added.

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With KUPS definitely wanting to keep Sichenje following the conclusion of his loan spell, the player has expressed the desire to represent AIK in the 2024 season beaming with confidence he has what it takes to jostle for a starting berth in the team.

“The chances are high of getting into the starting team but that’s something you don’t say by mouth but show it on the field. So, I will work hard and leave the rest to the coach and want to play many games and help the club,” he said.

Sichenje will not be eligible to feature for AIK in the ongoing Allsvenskan season but will be drafted into the team’s squad for the upcoming campaign.