This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
At just 23 years old, Joseph 'Crouch' Okumu is already making waves in the football world. The Harambee Stars and IF Elfsborg defender has set his sights on becoming a Kenyan football legend, and he's not just talking about captaining the national team.
Okumu, who turned 23 on May 26, has already made a name for himself in the Kenyan Premier League and has played for several top-tier clubs, including Chemelil Sugar, Green Commandos, Free State Stars, AFC Ann Arbor, and Real Monarchs FC.
With nine appearances for Harambee Stars under his belt, Okumu's best moment in the national team colors came during the 2019 African Nations Cup finals in Egypt. Although he's not salivating for a leadership role, he won't mind grabbing the opportunity when it arises.
"My main focus is not to have the armband but just represent the nation to the best of my ability. However, if an opportunity arises for me to lead the team then why not? But it will not be new to me because I had the same role at the U23 team," Okumu told Standard Sports on phone.
Okumu has made a brilliant start to the season with IF Elfsborg, clocking 180 minutes in their 1-0 away victory to IFK Goteborg and 2-2 draw against visiting Hammarby. He's confident of a better campaign on his full debut season in the Swedish Allsvenskan league.
"It feels amazing to have started the season with a win. The team is in good spirits and we are working on getting the maximum points in our next match (Helsingborg)," said Okumu.
Okumu also expressed his gratitude towards his cordial relationship with club manager Bo Jimmy Thelin, saying, "I have adapted to life here and I’m having a decent time despite the issues to deal with Covid-19. I have also had a good relationship with Jimmy and he is an amazing coach to work with."
However, Okumu was quick to wish his Harambee Stars teammate Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma a speedy recovery from a fractured leg injury he suffered during training with his new club AIK last month.
