- Harambee Stars defender Manzur Okwaro seals move to French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims.
- The French side announced the deal will be on loan with an option to buy from Nairobi United.
- He is expected to initially feature for Stade de Reims’ Pro 2 side as he adapts to European football, with the long-term aim of breaking into the first team.
Harambee Stars utility man Manzur Okwaro has completed a milestone move to French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims.
The 19-year-old joins the French outfit on a six-month loan from SportPesa League newcomers Nairobi United, with the deal including an option to buy.
Okwaro’s move comes after months of intense speculation linking him with a switch abroad following a string of impressive performances at both club and international level.
ALSO READ: McCarthy explains surprise Okwaro role in Harambee Stars win over DR Congo
Manzur Okwaro seals move to French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims
“Stade de Reims is pleased to announce the arrival of Manzur Okwaro on loan with an option to buy, a versatile defender from Kenya. He will initially join the Pro 2 Group led by Anthony Weber.
He is a new player in the making who is settling down in Champagne. Manzur Okwaro signs his first professional contract at the beginning of 2026. He was previously playing for Nairobi United (Kenyan D1).
At 19 years old, Manzur Okwaro already has 10 caps for the Kenyan national team. The rise has been rapid in recent months for the young defender. Since his first call-up with the Kenya senior team in March 2025, Manzur has confirmed all the hopes placed in him,” Reims posted on their website.
Who is Manzur Okwaro?
Among the clubs previously reported to be monitoring his situation was Egyptian Premier League side Al Masry, alongside several other overseas teams keen to secure his services. However, Stade de Reims ultimately won the race for his signature.
The versatile defender, who is comfortable operating both at the back and in midfield, is widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most promising young talents.
Naturally deployed as a left centre-back, Okwaro can also feature as a defensive midfielder, a quality that has added significant value to his game and attracted interest from scouts across Africa and Europe.
Okwaro’s journey to the professional stage began at St. Antony’s Boys, Kitale where he developed his foundational skills and showcased his potential.
He later had stints with now-defunct Rainbow FC and Division One outfit Compel FC before joining KCB FC and eventually Nairobi United where his performances caught the attention of national team selectors and international scouts alike.
He enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025, announcing himself on the continental stage during the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The tournament proved historic for Kenya as the Harambee Stars reached the quarter-finals in their debut appearance with Okwaro playing a key role in the campaign.
His composure, positional awareness and ability to read the game stood out, earning him plaudits despite the team’s eventual exit.
Although his club minutes were limited at times, his consistent performances in national team colours ensured he remained firmly in the spotlight.
Sources indicate that advice from Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, who shares an agency with the young star, influenced Okwaro’s decision to move to France, emphasizing steady development over immediate high-pressure exposure.
The defender arrived in France last week and successfully completed his medical examinations on Monday before putting pen to paper on the deal.
He is expected to initially feature for Stade de Reims’ Pro 2 side as he adapts to European football, with the long-term aim of breaking into the first team.
For Kenyan football, Okwaro’s move represents another positive step as local talent continues to gain recognition on the global stage.
For the young defender himself, it is a chance to test his ability in Europe, refine his game, and take another important stride toward fulfilling his immense potential.
He will join national teammate Joseph Okumu who features for the Reims senior team.
