Manzur Okwaro: Kenyan defender joins Joseph Okumu at Reims

Kenyan national team Harambee Stars defender Manzur Okwaro has joined French Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims.

Okwaro has been in the books of promoted Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League outfit Nairobi United but has made a move Europe where he will link up with his compatriot Joseph Okumu who has been at Reims since July 2023.

In a statement, Reims confirmed: “Stade de Reims is pleased to announce the arrival of Manzur Okwaro on loan with an option to buy, a versatile defender from Kenya. He will initially join the reserve team managed by Anthony Weber.

Okwaro previously played for Nairobi United

“A promising new player has arrived in Champagne. Manzur Okwaro signed his first professional contract at the start of 2026. He previously played for Nairobi United (Kenya Premier League).

“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.”

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.

At the Raymond Kopa Training Center, he will reunite with his compatriot Joseph Okumu, who will undoubtedly take him under his wing and guide him through this new stage of his young career.

Speaking on the arrival of Okwaro, Okumu said: “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.

“I’ve already experienced what he’s going through now, and I’m going to support him and help him settle in at Reims.”

Reims were relegated from Ligue One last season and are currently placed fifth on the Ligue 2 log with 32 points after 19 games; nine points behind leaders Troyes.