Harambee Stars assistant captain makes promise to Manzur as youngster is unveiled in France
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 21.01.26. | 14:30
Settling in the new environment is undoubtedly a tough task, but the former Rainbow FC man will likely have it easy, as Okumu has promised to hold his hand
Budding Harambee Stars midfielder Manzur Suleiman Okwaro has officially been unveiled by French club Stade de Reims.
The move will see the youngster share the dressing room with Stars vice captain Joseph Okumu.
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The 19-year-old was officially unveiled by the club on Tuesday, 21 January and is expected to join the reserve team playing in the fifth-tier of French football.
“Stade de Reims is pleased to announce the arrival of Manzur Okwaro on loan with an option to buy. The versatile defender from Kenya will initially join the Pro 2 Group led by Anthony Weber,” read part of the club’s statement.
Moving from the Kenyan Premier League to France is certainly a big leap for Okwaro, who also plays as a centre back.
Settling in the new environment is undoubtedly a tough task, but the former Rainbow FC man will likely have it easy, as Okumu has promised to hold his hand.
“I have had the opportunity to meet Manzur. I ran into him several times in Kenya, but we have not yet had the chance to play together with the national team. I have already been through what he is experiencing today, so I will support him and help him settle in at Reims,” said Okumu.
Okwaro has had a steady rise over the last two years, coming from the national U18 team to the U20 ome, commonly known as Rising Stars.
The Webuye-born player earned his maiden Harambee Stars call up in March 2025 and would make his debut on the 23rd of the same month against Gabon.
The youngster was deployed in defensive midfield by Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he excelled, winning the hearts of Kenyans.
He subsequently signed for Nairobi United in September 2025, from KCB FC, but featured sparingly due to a nagging knee injury.
His move to the French side is yet another big step in his development and a boost to Harambee Stars in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
