Kenya Police midfielder Charles Ouma has switched allegiance from Harambee Stars to South Sudan’s Bright Stars.
The midfield maestro, who never played for Harambee Stars despite several call-ups is in the Bright Stars' squad for Saturday's Cup of Nations qualifiers preliminary round against Sao Tome and Principe in Morocco.
"I got a call from South Sudan Football Association. They explained their plans and the role I would play in their project. I decided to take the challenge," Ouma stated.
The former Sindo United man added: “I would like to grow and develop. After missing Harambee Stars' cut in the friendlies against Mauritius and Pakistan last year, I felt it was time I try something new.”
Ouma feels playing at the international level gives players opportunities to get scouted by bigger clubs.
The versatile midfielder, who can play at both holding and defensive midfield, helped Police gain promotion to the Kenyan Premier League in 2021.
He also had a stint with AFC Leopards Youth.
“Football is a short career and every opportunity counts. Having weighed my options, I felt I had a better chance to grow and fit in the Bright Stars' project,” he added.
Ouma, who has been instrumental in the cops' resurgence under Salim Babu, was substituted as a precaution during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Muhoroni Youth.
“We played to a draw, something we didn’t expect but mistakes happen in football. Despite our own goal we levelled matters and I thank God for the point,” said Ouma.
Ouma had his second training session with Police teammates and fellow South Sudan internationals Toha Rashid and Tito Okello having linked with them in Juba on Monday.
Other Kenyan-based players in the Bright Stars squad include former AFC Leopards midfielder Assad Musa and Paul America from Rainbow FC.
Police defender Toha anticipates seamless integration of Ouma into the Bright Stars, fuelling their quest for AFCON qualification.
“Ouma is my teammate at Police FC and I know his potential. I learned that his grandmother is from South Sudan, so he is affiliated with us. He is only 20 and will help improve our quality as we chase our maiden AFCON qualification,” Toha stated.
