Manzur Okwaro: Joseph Okumu Makes Big Promise to Harambee Stars Teammate After His Unveiling at French Club

Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu has promised to take good care of his Kenyan compatriot Manzur Okwaro after the youngster was officially unveiled by French club Stade de Reims.

Okwaro was presented officially as a Reims player on Wednesday afternoon which the French second division side announcing that he has signed a six-month loan deal with a view to making it permanent at the end of the season.

The versatile player, who can play at centre-back, central midfield and left-back has moved to France after six months with Nairobi United and will begin his career in France with Reim’s second-string side.

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“At just 19 years old, Manzur Okwaro already boasts 10 caps for the Kenyan national team. The young defender's rise has been rapid in recent months. Since his first call-up to the Kenyan senior squad in March 2025, Manzur has lived up to all the expectations placed upon him,” Reims said of their new signing.

“The defender will now continue his development in Reims, following in the footsteps of several young talents before him, playing in the Pro 2 league with the goal of eventually joining Karel Geraerts' first team.”

Okwaro will be given time in the junior team to acclimatise to his new surroundings before eventually being promoted to the senior team where he will play alongside Kenyan compatriot Joseph Okumu.

Okumu, who has been at Reims since signing for €12 million from Belgian club Gent in 2023, is excited at having his countryman at the same club and want to look after him in the best way possible.

"I've had the opportunity to meet Manzur. I crossed paths with him several times in Kenya, but we haven't yet had the chance to play together for the national team,” said Okumu. “I've already experienced what he's going through now, and I'm going to support him and help him settle in at Reims."

Okwaro has sprung to prominence in the last one year, having been handed opportunities by Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy when he was hired in March 2025.

The former KCB and Kenya U20 star enhanced his profile during the 2024 African Nations Championships when McCarthy played him in central midfield, a position he excelled in, as Kenya reached the quarter-final.

Since then, he has been undroppable from the national team and it is believed his performances during the tournament is what attracted Reims to him.