'I'm Past That' - Why Harambee Stars Winger Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma Doesn't Envision Dream EPL Move Anymore

Harambee Stars defender Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma has opened up candidly about his future as he approaches the final year of his contract with Polish champions Rakow Czestochowa. 

The former Gor Mahia and AIK defender, who joined Rakow from Sweden in January 2024, has become a key player for the club, featuring regularly as both a left and right wing-back during his two-year stay.

However, a recent Achilles injury suffered during training in August has temporarily halted his progress as he undergoes rehabilitation in Sweden.

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Speaking on Studio AK Live, Ouma, who was once linked with moves to the likes of Leicester City and Crystal Palace, revealed that while he remains open-minded about his next steps, he no longer harbours the once firmly held dream of playing in the English Premier League.

 “I have always wanted to play in the Premier League, but I am not so sure because I may be past the ideal age to join,” he said. 

Approaching his late twenties, Ouma appears to be embracing a more pragmatic approach to his career path, focusing on where he can make the most impact rather than chasing elusive dreams.

Regarding his future at Rakow, Ouma was non-committal. “It will depend because I am open to anything. I could stay there or come back home,” he explained.

 “For now, I cannot say much about the future. I do not plan it because I could say one thing and something else would happen. So I let it be.”

Reflecting on the just-concluded Polish league season, where Rakow narrowly missed out on the title to Lech Poznan—the current club of fellow Kenyan Timothy Ouma—Marcelo expressed mixed emotions.

 “It was a little disappointing. It was a push and pull because we would win, and they would win,” he said. “Just like when we challenged for the title against Malmo in 2021 (while still a player with AIK). I was a bit disappointed, but the good thing is that we qualified for Europe. It is a big stage. Your value increases playing there because it is a big stage.”

Ouma also shared insights into the professional and disciplined culture at Rakow Czestochowa, which has impressively risen from Poland’s second division in 2017 to become league champions

. “It is not a big city, but people are wired to work hard and are nurtured to have discipline in their style of play,” he explained.

 “We play in a 3-4-3. The coach demands a lot. Before every game, we have to write a report — something about how the game was. You have to explain what you need to improve, and what the coach must work on. Over there, the coaches do not sleep. 

“They see how you play and collect your stats, then they tell you what you need to work on ahead of the next game.”

The demanding tactical environment requires players to be mentally sharp and disciplined. “You need to be switched on tactically to get into the team. The coach is very demanding and wants perfection with limited mistakes,” Ouma said. He also revealed a strict no-phone policy during matches and a rigorous daily schedule running from 8 AM to 3 PM, which initially took some getting used to but has now become routine.

Beyond the tactical and physical demands, Ouma praised Rakow’s emphasis on team unity over individualism. 

“They promote unity among players. They want the team to be one, not individuals. It is not about this or that player is good. They just give you the motivation to come to training and better yourself.”

As Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma continues his recovery and evaluates his future, his commitment to professionalism and growth remains as strong as ever.