Kenyan forward turns pro in Belgium

Kenyan youngster Wilkims Ochieng last Thursday signed his first professional contract at Belgian giants Club Brugge, earning the step up from the youth team to the senior side on a two-and-a-half year contract.

Ochieng joined Brugge from Royal Excel Mouscron in 2016 and has been impressive for the youth side. He scored three goals in the Uefa Youth League last year, including a worldie against PSG that got the football world talking.

Brugge have moved with speed to tie down the teenager who, in an exclusive interview with Nation Sport, revealed he is looking forward to playing for Kenya's national team, Harambee Stars, even though he has been capped by Belgium at youth level.

"It is a dream-come-true for me, I really worked hard for this moment and I am very happy. Football is a gift for me and it is what I want to do for the rest of my life," Wilkims, who turns 17 on February 15, told Nation Sport.

"The hardwork doesn't stop now that I have signed the contract. I have to work even harder to get into the first team and stay there. I also really want to play for the Kenyan national team. I know there are 2022 World Cup qualifiers coming up and I really want to be part of that. As a young player, it is my dream to play for my country of birth and I hope to achieve that soon through hard work," he added.

Ochieng was born in Nairobi but moved to Belgium with his family when he was seven. He is represented by J & S International Football Management, which also represents Manchester City forward Kevin de Bruyne. He can play as a main striker and on the wings.