MOFA make first big export as fast rising striker seals deal in Finland
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 14.09.25. | 21:00
The forward makes history as the first player from Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga’s academy and club to secure a professional deal abroad
Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) and Rising Stars forward Lawrence Okoth Ouma has sealed a two-year move to Finnish top-flight club SJK Seinäjoki.
The deal was agreed on 25 August, but delays in fetching his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) saw his announcement pushed back.
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“From MOFA to the world! We are proud to announce that Lawrence ‘Lawi’ Okoth has completed a two-year move to Finnish top-flight side SJK Seinäjoki,” MOFA announced.
“A native of Sikri, Homa Bay County, and a true pioneer of the MOFA vision, Lawi embodies what we stand for, holistic growth through sport, education, and character. As he embarks on this exciting new chapter, we wish him every success,” the club added.
After completing this move, Okoth makes history as the first player from Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga’s academy and club to secure a professional deal abroad.
Okoth, who previously featured for Vihiga Bullets, joined the Homabay-based club in July 2024 from Samwest Blackboots, where he concluded the 2023/2024 season with 10 goals.
Before that, he had scored seven goals in his debut season with Vihiga Bullets during the 2022/2023 campaign.
The 20-year-old hails from a footballing family, as his elder brother Dennis Okoth currently plays for Mathare United, while their father served as an Oyugis coordinator for the Aspire Football Academy.
Unlike his brother, Okoth’s passion for football blossomed later.
After completing his primary education at Gangare Primary School, he attended Gianchere Friends High School in Kisii, finishing in 2022.
It was after his high school studies that he ventured into football.
At Samwest Blackboots, where he played under coach George Owoko, Okoth netted 10 goals and provided five assists in the 2023/2024 season, earning a move to MOFA.
Despite limited game time due to national duties, he played a key role in The White Rhino's debut Super League campaign, scoring 10 goals and earning a call-up to the national U20 team.
Okoth represented Kenya in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Tanzania, scoring the opener in a 4–0 victory over Burundi as the Rising Stars booked a historic spot in the tournament.
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He went on to score two goals in the finals held in Cairo, including Kenya’s first-ever goal at the competition, finishing as the team’s top scorer.
Following his impressive display at the tournament, his agency, Hodari Sports Management, confirmed that multiple offers emerged but opted for a measured approach to secure the best opportunity.
Coach George Owoko, who has closely mentored Okoth, praised his discipline.
"Lawrence is a quiet player; he does not focus on distractions, only on delivering on the field. Working with him is enjoyable because he is principled and consults before making any move,” he told Mozzart Sport.
About SJK Seinäjoki
SJK Seinäjoki, a Finnish professional football club based in Seinäjoki, plays in the Veikkausliiga, Finland’s top-tier league.
Founded in 2007 after a merger between TP-Seinäjoki and Sepsi-78, the club rose from the third tier to the top flight in 2014 and clinched its first Finnish championship the following year.
They currently sit fifth in the league, playing their home matches at OmaSP Stadion.
