Harambee Stars Defender Sichenje Bags Prestigious Honor in the Finnish League

Collins Lusaka Sichenje, a defender for Harambee Stars, has been honoured as the 2023 Kuopion Palloseura FC Young Player of the Season. Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS) is a Finnish football club competing in the top-tier league, Veikkausliiga.

Sichenje, a Kenyan international, has been on loan at KuPS from the Swedish club AIK (Allmänna Idrottsklubben) since March.

He expressed his joy at receiving the award and extended his gratitude to the club and its fans for their unwavering support during his loan period. He is now set to return to his parent club.

In his own words, Sichenje stated, “Happy and honoured to have scooped the Kuopion Palloseura Young Player of The Season Award. It has been a wonderful season in Finland. Thanks to the club management and fans for the incredible support throughout the season.”

Sichenje’s football journey began at the Green Commandos, a renowned name in Kenyan Secondary school games, representing Kakamega High School.

In 2019, he joined AFC Leopards, where he remained until 2021. His standout performances during his time at AFC Leopards earned him his first call-up to the national team in 2020.

Following his impressive run with Ingwe, Sichenje signed with PAOK B and was part of the Greek team from 2020 to 2021, although he ultimately returned to his former club. However, his return to Ingwe was brief, as AIK came calling for the robust defender.

Despite high expectations accompanying his move to AIK, Sichenje struggled to settle and was subsequently loaned to KuPS.

In a heart-wrenching conclusion to the Finland Premier League, Sichenje and KuPS fell short on the final day as HJK Helsinki clinched the Veikkausliiga title on goal difference.

KuPS needed to outscore their opponents by at least three goals in the final Championship Group clash but watched as the leaders celebrated their 33rd domestic title, with Sichenje’s side settling for a silver medal. Nevertheless, they secured a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers for the next season.

KuPS boasts an impressive history, having won the Finnish championship six times, the Finnish Cup four times, and the Finnish League Cup once.

At just 20 years old, Sichenje’s current market value, according to Transfermarkt, stands at €400,000 (approximately Sh63 million).