Faiz Ouma officially joins MLS Next Pro side Huntsville City

Kenya Under-20 central defender Faiz Ouma Opande has officially joined Major League Soccer Next Pro side Huntsville City Football Club.

The announcement, made by the club on Thursday, follows a week of training where Ouma impressed, prompting his signing.

“Huntsville City Football Club announced today the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Faiz Opande,” part of the third-tier team statement read.

“We are excited to have him join our group. His versatility in midfield and defense will be a great asset for the season ahead,” said Matt Cairns, Huntsville City FC Director of Soccer Operations. “Our fans will enjoy his energy, tenacity, and ability to pick a pass in the midfield.”

Mozzart Sport had earlier this month reported that Ouma had left his team - Rainbow FC - for his second try-out after training with another MLS side D.C United.

Faiz Ouma heads out for tryout with MLS club

Ouma will be eligible to play in Huntsville’s match on Saturday 20 April against Chattanooga FC at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.

The former U-17 player has experience extending to United Arab Emirates third division side Elite Falcons, which he joined in October 2022 on a short term deal before returning to Kenya.

He was also reported to have conducted trials with English Premier League side Crystal Palace in August 2023, before trying out with Scottish second-tier side Dunfermline Athletic FC a month later.

Huntsville City are currently 14th in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference, with three points and no wins from their first five games.

31.5% of their available minutes so far have been played by Nashville SC youth academy products.