Belgian second-division club KV Oostende has secured the signing of Kenyan midfielder Johana Omollo on a year-long contract.
The announcement of Omollo’s arrival was made by the club on Saturday, marking his return to working with coach Stijn Vreven, with whom he had previously collaborated at Lommel.
Omollo need
The acquisition of Omollo addresses a specific need for KV Oostende, as confirmed by the club’s sporting director, Nils Vanneste.
Vanneste highlighted the necessity for a defensive midfielder, particularly in light of the ongoing absence of players such as Alfons Amade, Sieben Dewaele, and Vincent Koziello.
The club’s options in this position had become limited, making the addition of an experienced player with the right mindset a significant priority.
Vanneste expressed confidence in Omollo’s potential to serve as a mentor to the younger players within the team, based on his strong trial performance and his history of collaboration with the coaching staff.
“We certainly needed someone in the defensive midfielder position, especially considering that Alfons Amade, Sieben Dewaele, and Vincent Koziello are still out. The options in that position become more limited.
Omollo’s importance
“When you can bring in an experienced man with the right mentality, there’s no doubt. In our group, he can be a guide for the many young players, and during his trial period last week, he showed that he still has a lot of enthusiasm on the field. Our coach has worked with him before and is also very positive. As previously mentioned, an additional forward and a creative midfielder are still priorities for recruitment. I hope to be able to conclude at least one more deal soon,” he stated.
Omollo brings a wealth of experience to KV Oostende, having traversed various stages of his career, with a significant presence in Belgian football.
His professional journey includes spells at prominent clubs such as Beerschot, Lommel, Antwerp, Cercle, and Visé. Notably, his Belgian venture commenced in 2007 with Visé and continued with his return to the club last season.
Omollo boasts an impressive track record of approximately 45 matches in the top division, complemented by around 140 appearances in the second division.
Beyond his Belgian exploits, Omollo’s footballing endeavors have extended to international arenas, including Turkey and Luxembourg.
He has proudly represented Kenya on the global stage, earning 29 caps for the national team. In addition to his Kenyan heritage, Omollo also holds Belgian citizenship, further underscoring his connection to the football landscape in both nations.
The signing of Omollo represents an important step for KV Oostende, as the club looks to bolster its roster with experienced and versatile talent.
