Kenya U20 striker Lawrence Ouma secures trials in Sweden
By Luke Oluoch, July 19, 2025Kenya U20s and MOFA striking pair Lawrence Ouma and Rodgers Ouma are set to depart the country for trials with Swedish side Vasalund IF.
The news has been confirmed by the Michael Olunga-owned National Super League outfit this Saturday, July 19, 2025.
According to the club, their pair will leave on Monday, July 21, 2025, for the trial stints.
“Our centre forwards, Rodgers Ouma and Lawrence Ouma Okoth, will be traveling to Sweden on Monday after securing their visas. The duo is set to train with Vasalunds IF, with a strong possibility of signing for the club. We’re proud of them and wish them the very best. Lawrence notably stood out during the recent U-20 AFCON tournament held in Egypt,” the team statement read.
The news is a deserved development for Lawrence, who was a standout performer for Kenya’s U20 team in the AFCON games a couple of months ago.
Lawrence opened up on the tournament being a vital eye-opener to his football career.
“AFCON was amazing. We picked up a lot of lessons, but one thing stood out: we’re coming up well, and we’re at the same level as the others.
“When we arrived at the tournament, people said we were in the group of death. But once we got there, we matched them; there was no group of death,” Ouma told a local publication.
He also stated how he benefited, individually, from the age-grade competition.
“AFCON really helped me. I’ve gained courage, confidence, and valuable exposure as a player,” he added.
The rising star also acknowledged the help and mentorship he got from his coach, George Awoko.
“Coach Awoko is a big part of my development. From a young age, he helped me with everything—positioning, finishing, striking, runs, and ball protection. I wish him well and hope he continues to develop even more talented youth,” he said in a past interview.
Trials to Kenyan prospects
Meanwhile, the new development continues the Swedish club’s long-standing association with Kenyan academies and clubs.
The Stockholm-based club has in the past offered trials for a number of Harambee Stars internationals, such as Eric Ouma, Johanna Eric, and Ovella Ochieng, among others.
The session proved to open doors for the stars who used the chance as a springboard to launch their respective careers.