- Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje has completed his move to to English side Charlton Athletic from Serbian SuperLiga outfit FK Vojvodina.
- The 22-year-old centre-back has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Addicks.
Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje has taken a major step forward in his career after completing a move to English side Charlton Athletic from Serbian SuperLiga outfit FK Vojvodina.
The 22-year-old centre-back has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Addicks, underlining the club’s long-term belief in his potential.
Charlton confirmed the signing on their official platforms, with Sichenje becoming their seventh acquisition of the transfer window as the London-based club continues to strengthen its squad.
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The Kenyan international joins a list of notable arrivals that includes Harry Clarke, Lyndon Dykes, Luke Chambers, Tiernan Brooks, Jayden Fevrier and experienced defender Conor Coady.
Charlton Managing Director James Rodwell revealed that the club had been monitoring Sichenje for some time and initially planned to sign him later in the year.
Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje joins Charlton Athletic
“We’re delighted to sign Collins,” Rodwell said. “He’s a player we’ve been tracking for a long time and was originally budgeted to join us this summer as part of our multi-window strategy to move the club forward. We’re pleased that the opportunity arose for him to join us earlier than we expected.”
Head coach Nathan Jones also expressed his excitement at securing the services of the young defender, describing him as a player well suited to the club’s style of play.
“We’re thrilled to add Collins,” Jones said. “He’s an aggressive, front-footed centre-back who is only 22 years of age, so he’s one that can grow with us and one that we’re excited to be welcoming to the football club.”
Speaking after putting pen to paper, a visibly excited Sichenje highlighted the importance of the move in his career.
“It feels amazing to be here. It’s a good club with a good project and I’m ready to start working,” he said. “It’s a big step for my career. It’s a good opportunity to keep working, developing and help the team, so I just need to be humble and keep working.”
Born in Butere, western Kenya, Sichenje’s journey has been one of steady growth and resilience. He began his career at Green Commandos before earning a move to Kenyan Premier League giants AFC Leopards in 2019.
His performances caught attention abroad, leading to stints with PAOK B in Greece and later Swedish top-flight side AIK.
After a productive loan spell at Finnish club KuPS Kuopio during the 2023/24 season, Sichenje joined FK Vojvodina on loan, a move that was made permanent in September 2024 following impressive displays in Serbia.
At international level, Sichenje has earned eight caps for Harambee Stars since making his debut in a 1-0 victory over South Sudan in March 2021.
His move to English football is expected to further enhance his development and boost Kenya’s options in defence ahead of future international assignments.
Charlton Athletic will be hoping their new signing settles quickly, with the Addicks set to return to The Valley on Friday for a clash against Queens Park Rangers as the season continues to gather momentum.