Kenya U20 Striker Compared to Michael Olunga Follows William Lenkupae in Sealing Lucrative Finland Move

Kenya Under-20 striker Lawrence Okoth has secured a two-year deal with Finnish top-flight side SJK Seinajoki, marking a major milestone in his budding career.

The move was confirmed by Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), a month after the forward quietly left the country for trials.

“From MOFA to the world! We are proud to announce that Lawrence ‘Lawi’ Okoth has completed a two-year move to Finnish top-flight side SJK Seinäjoki,” the club said in a statement.

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“A native of Sikri, Homa Bay County, and a true pioneer of the MOFA vision, Lawi embodies what we stand for — holistic growth through sport, education, and character.”

Ouma, who is popularly known as “Lawi” or “Olunga” due to their similar playing styles,  previously turned out for Vihiga Bullets and Samwest Blackboots before joining MOFA in July 2024. He quickly established himself as one of Kenya’s most promising strikers, netting ten goals last season before attracting international interest.

The forward also made his mark on the continental stage during the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.

During the qualifiers in Tanzania, he scored the opener in Kenya’s 4–0 win over Burundi before going on to net two goals at the finals in Cairo — including Kenya’s first-ever goal at the competition — finishing as the team’s top scorer.

At SJK, Ouma links up with a club that has risen swiftly since its founding in 2007, climbing from the third tier to the Veikkausliiga in 2014 and winning the league title the following year.

SJK are currently fifth in the standings and face KuPS on Tuesday, September 23.

The move also makes Ouma the first MOFA player to be sold abroad, further cementing the academy’s growing reputation as a talent factory.

Ouma won’t be alone in the Finnish top flight. He follows in the footsteps of fellow Kenyan youngster William Lenkupae, who currently represents VPS in the Veikkausliiga.

Beyond Finland, another Kenyan striker compared to Michael Olunga, Alphonse Ogam, recently completed a move to Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC. 

His transfer, alongside Ouma’s switch to SJK, highlights the increasing recognition of young Kenyan forwards in Europe.

The new wave of emerging strikers is seen as carrying the torch lit by Michael Olunga, whose journey from Kenya to stardom in Europe, Japan, and Qatar continues to inspire the next generation.