Harambee Stars youngster Manzur Okwaro has officially joined French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims on a 6-month loan deal from SportPesa League side Nairobi United with an option to buy.
While there, he will have the support of compatriot and Harambee Stars assistant captain Joseph Okumu as he begins this exciting new chapter in Europe.
Speaking about Okwaro’s arrival, Okumu expressed his commitment to helping the young Kenyan settle into life at the Raymond Kopa Training Centre.
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Okumu offers guiding hand to Harambee Stars youngster Manzur Okwaro
“I have had the chance to meet Manzur. I have watched him several times in Kenya, although we have not yet played together for the national team.
I have been in his position before and I will support him and help him adapt to this new chapter of his career,” Okumu said.
Okumu brings a wealth of European experience that will prove invaluable to Okwaro.
Okumu’s wealth of experience abroad makes him well-suited to mentor the youngster. His international club journey began in South Africa with Free State Stars in 2016, followed by a move to the United States where he played for AFC Ann Arbor and Real Monarchs, winning the 2019 USL Championship.
In 2019, he moved to Europe, joining Sweden’s IF Elfsborg where he became a key defender and earned Team of the Season honors.
He later signed for Belgium’s AA Gent, playing over 90 matches, winning the Belgian Cup, and serving as vice-captain before making a big money to Stade de Reims in France’s Ligue 1 in 2023.
With such experience, Okumu is well-placed to mentor Okwaro both on and off the pitch, helping him navigate the challenges of adapting to European football.
Okwaro, 19, has impressed in Kenya with his versatility as he is able to play as a left centre-back or in midfield.
A product of St. Antony’s Boys, Kitale, he also had stints with now-defunct Rainbow FC and Division One side Compel FC before moving to KCB FC and eventually Nairobi United.
His breakthrough came during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2025, where Kenya reached the quarterfinals in their debut appearance, with Okwaro playing a vital role.
Although still early in his professional career, Okwaro has already attracted interest from clubs abroad thanks to his composure, tactical awareness, and adaptability.
His move to Stade de Reims represents a significant opportunity to develop under the guidance of experienced teammates like Okumu and adapt to European football.
With a familiar compatriot by his side, Okwaro is expected to settle quickly and focus on making an impact in France.
For Kenyan football, this partnership at Stade de Reims is a positive signal for the next generation of talent, showing how experienced internationals can support emerging stars. For Okwaro, having Joseph Okumu to lean on makes this new chapter even more promising.