The Collins Sichenje Charlton transfer shocked many Kenyan football fans and caught the English Championship by surprise. At just 22, the Harambee Stars defender has taken a bold leap into one of Europe’s most demanding leagues.
His rise has not followed a straight line. Instead, it has passed through Kenya, Greece, Sweden, Finland, Serbia, and now England.
This article breaks down who Collins Sichenje really is, where he comes from, how he built his career step by step, and why Charlton Athletic moved fast to secure his signature.
Collins Sichenje Charlton Journey From Grassroots to the Championship
Collins Lusaka Sichenje was born on 19 September 2003 in Kenya. He grew up in a football-loving environment where discipline and hard work mattered.
Like many Kenyan players, he learned the game on rough pitches before formal training shaped his talent. His early years focused on balancing football with education, a foundation that helped him stay grounded as his career accelerated.
Early Life and Education
Sichenje spent his formative years in Kenya, where he attended local schools while developing as a defender. He showed leadership qualities early and played above his age group. Coaches noticed his aggression, speed, and communication at the back.
Education remained important in his household, and that balance helped him mature quickly. Those early lessons later helped him adapt to foreign cultures and professional environments across Europe.
Career Path and Rise Across Europe
Sichenje began his club career with Green Commandos, a team known for nurturing young talent. In September 2019, he signed for AFC Leopards, one of Kenya’s biggest clubs. He gained valuable top-flight experience as a teenager and attracted scouts beyond East Africa.
In July 2021, he joined PAOK B in Greece. The move promised growth, but he struggled to settle and returned to AFC Leopards without making a senior appearance. Instead of derailing his progress, the setback strengthened his resolve.
Two months later, he secured a major move to Swedish giants AIK on a four-year deal. On 7 August 2022, he made his professional league debut against Kalmar. He adapted quickly to European football and drew interest from Spanish clubs due to his composure and physicality.
In March 2023, AIK loaned him to Finnish side KuPS for the season. He made 23 appearances and played regular football, sharpening his defensive awareness. KuPS chose not to activate the purchase option, and Sichenje returned to AIK more experienced and confident.
In July 2024, Serbian SuperLiga club Vojvodina signed him on a six-month loan with an option to buy. He impressed immediately. The club made the deal permanent within two months and handed him a three-year contract. He made 52 appearances and scored once, becoming a key figure in defense.
International Career and Harambee Stars Impact
Sichenje received his first call-up to the Kenya national team in 2020. In March 2021, he made his debut in a 1–0 friendly win over South Sudan. He credits Harambee Stars football for shaping his mentality.
Regular international exposure forced him to grow fast. He faced senior attackers, handled pressure, and learned game management. Those experiences boosted his confidence and leadership. He has openly stated that playing for Kenya helped prepare him for the demands of Charlton Athletic.
Shocking Move to Charlton Athletic
On 2 February 2026, the Collins Sichenje Charlton deal became official. Charlton Athletic signed him on a three-and-a-half-year contract from FK Vojvodina. The English club moved earlier than planned after tracking him for several windows.
Charlton beat competition from Luton Town and MLS side Colorado Rapids. Vojvodina reportedly earned around €1.9 million, plus a 20 percent sell-on clause. Sichenje became the first Kenyan player in Charlton’s history.
Manager Nathan Jones quickly showed faith in him. Sichenje responded well to intense training and adapted fast. He described the club as ambitious and the move as a major career step. Charlton sit near the bottom of the Championship table, and the club expects him to play a key role in their survival fight.
Salary and Contact Details
Charlton Athletic have not disclosed Collins Sichenje’s salary. Based on Championship standards and his transfer value, estimates place his annual earnings between £400,000 and £700,000 before bonuses. His deal likely includes appearance and performance incentives.
