Omole reveals how private conversations with Harambee Stars striker fuel his ambitions
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 21.06.26. | 13:16
For Omole, Ouma's success serves as proof that hard work and patience can open doors to bigger opportunities.
Tusker FC forward Thomas Omole has opened up about the role Harambee Stars striker Lawrence Ouma has played in inspiring his football journey. Omole revealed that private conversations with his former teammate continue to motivate him to aim for the highest level of the game.
The two players share a strong bond dating back to their time together at former National Super League side Samwest Blackboots. While Ouma has since risen to represent Kenya and secure a professional move abroad, Omole says his friend's words have kept him focused on achieving similar success.
“Lawrence Ouma is my friend. We have been in the same team. When he plays for the national team, he texts me and tells me that is where I need to be. He knows I deserve to be playing at the top level. But Inshallah, in God's time, it will happen,” Omole said.
Ouma's rise has been one of Kenyan football's most inspiring success stories. In August last year, the former Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) striker signed a two-year deal with Finnish top-flight club SJK Seinäjoki, becoming the first player from the academy to secure a professional contract abroad.
The 20-year-old forward's journey began after he completed his studies at Gianchere Friends High School in 2022. He joined Vihiga Bullets and scored seven goals during the 2022/23 season before moving to Samwest Blackboots, where he flourished under coach George Owoko, registering 10 goals and five assists in the 2023/24 campaign.
His impressive displays earned him a move to MOFA midway through 2024, where he continued his fine form by scoring 10 goals despite balancing club commitments with national team duties.
On the international stage, Ouma announced himself with Kenya's U20 Rising Stars, scoring in a 4-0 victory over Burundi during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He later added two more goals at the finals in Cairo, including Kenya's historic first-ever goal at the tournament, finishing as the team's top scorer.
Football runs deep in Ouma's family. His brother Dennis turns out for Mathare United, while their father previously coordinated youth development programmes at Aspire Football Academy.
Currently, Ouma plies his trade with SJK Seinäjoki, the Finnish club founded in 2007 that won the Veikkausliiga title in 2015 and currently sits fifth in the league standings.
For Omole, Ouma's success serves as proof that hard work and patience can open doors to bigger opportunities.
The Tusker forward has built his own reputation through persistence and consistency. Before joining the Brewers ahead of the 2025/26 season, Omole enjoyed a productive spell at Samwest Blackboots, where he emerged as one of the club's standout performers.
He scored 10 goals and provided seven assists, attracting interest from several top-flight clubs before earning his move to Ruaraka.
Since arriving at Tusker, Omole has adapted well to the demands of playing for one of Kenya's most successful clubs. He opened his account for the Brewers with the winning goal in a 1-0 away victory against Mara Sugar and has continued to contribute whenever called upon.
His impact was particularly notable during Tusker's successful Mozzart Bet Cup campaign. Omole scored a brace against Mwea United in the early rounds and later played a key role off the bench in the final as Tusker defeated Kenya Police FC 2-1 to end a decade-long wait for a domestic title.
