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Ouma, an AFC Leopards academy graduate, was part of the Harambee Stars squad four the Mauritius Four Nations tournament in June, but has declared for South Sudan, who even called him up.
Kenya Police midfielder Charles Ouma has explained why he ditched Harambee Stars in order to represent South Sudan at international level.
Ouma is among six Kenyan-based players who have received the honor of being called up to the South Sudan national team for the preliminary round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sao Tome and Principe.
The 20-year-old midfield dynamo first caught the eye of the national selectors in July 2023, when he was called up to the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, by coach Engin Firat for the Four Nations tournament in Mauritius.
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11:51 - 10.06.2023
FKFPL Joining Leopards by chance, rejection and family discouragement: How Charles Ouma defied the odds to earn maiden Harambee Stars call up
The Kenya Police star is set to turn up for the national team in the Four-Nations tournament but his journey to the top has been littered with several obstacles
Despite not making an appearance in the tournament, Ouma's potential was undeniable, leading him to switch allegiance to South Sudan, where he aims to make a substantial impact.
Before his rise to international recognition, Ouma's journey began at Sindo United, from where he moved to Kenya Police in 2020.
“I want to play and build my CV,” Ouma told Pulse Sports when quizzed about why he opted to make that decision.
“Going there is a decision I made and they needed me, so I could not say no.”
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06:33 - 01.03.2024
FOOTBALL Kenyan midfielder handed South Sudan national team call up
The Kenyan-based midfielder is among six chosen for South Sudan's team for 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Sao Tome and Principe.
At Police, Ouma has fellow South Sudan internationals Tito Okello and Rashid Toha who could have played a part in convincing him to make the switch, something Ouma has vehemently denied.
“No one convinced me. It was a decision I made. I actually do not know how to speak Arabic, but they were convinced by how I want to play my football.”
Ouma’s desire to go pro also played a part in his decision to play for the country, as he believes more caps will give him a higher chance of moving abroad.
“The more caps I earn, the more I will earn a chance to go professional and I am optimistic things will go well.”
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10:30 - 11.03.2024
FKFPL Tusker keeper Brian Opondo's vow after displacing Brian Bwire between the sticks
Opondo made his debut for Tusker almost a year and a half after joining the club during their 4-0 win over Shabana and has kept his place since.
Before his rise to international recognition, Ouma's journey began at Sindo United, from where he moved to Kenya Police in 2020.
Standing tall in midfield, he possesses the versatility to play both defensively and in a central attacking role.
His contributions were pivotal in helping Kenya Police secure promotion to the top flight, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to his team's success.
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21:31 - 10.03.2024
FOOTBALL Salim Babu to lead Kenya U20 in Malawi invitational tournament
Babu, who coached Kenya U18 to the final of the 2023 CECAFA U18 Boys' championship, will lead the U20 side in Malawi.
Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news.
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