Harambee Stars forward opens up on life in Finland and pressure of succeeding Olunga
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 01.04.26. | 09:11
Although the move marked a major milestone in his career, Ouma has been featuring for SJK’s reserve team, SJK Akatemia, which competes in Finland’s second-tier league, Ykkösliiga
Harambee Stars’ youthful forward, Lawrence Ouma, has candidly shared the difficulties he has faced adapting to football in Finland, highlighting the fast-paced and developed nature of the game as a significant hurdle.
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Speaking after Kenya’s third-place finish in the recently concluded FIFA Series mini-tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, Ouma reflected on his career-defining move to Finnish side SJK Seinäjoki.
The soft-spoken attacker, who completed his long-awaited transfer from National Super League (NSL) side Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) on 25 August 2025, acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a new footballing culture.
Although the move marked a major milestone in his career, Ouma has been featuring for SJK’s reserve team, SJK Akatemia, which competes in Finland’s second-tier league, Ykkösliiga.
He has made nine appearances so far, gradually acclimatising to the demands of European football.
“It has been so challenging indeed. When I went to Finland, the footballing landscape in the country is at a higher level, and it proved difficult for me to adapt.
However, I am glad that with time I have been able to settle in,” Ouma remarked, offering an honest glimpse into the life of a young player navigating unfamiliar terrain.
The former MOFA forward, and younger brother to Mathare United striker Dennis Okoth, also spoke about the pressure of following in the footsteps of Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga.
Making only his third appearance for the national team, Ouma admitted that he still has a lot of work to do to match Olunga’s impact.
“It is a big shoe to fill. Olunga has had an impressive record at the national level, and I must work extra hard to fit in,” he said, emphasising his commitment to grow into a key figure for Kenya’s national team.
