Nairobi United boss Paul Okatwa heaps praise on magnificent Ouma

Nairobi United head coach Paul Okatwa is pleased with his defensive midfielder Bernard Ouma's work rate after the 17-year-old inspired the Naibois to a deserved 2-1 victory over Mombasa Elite on Sunday.

Ouma was introduced in the second half of the highly contested match in Mombasa with the Naibois on the brink of a second defeat of the season, but his brilliance changed the tone of the game with his intriguing passes and cutouts resulting in two goals that won the league debutants the match to make a return to winning ways.

Speaking after the match Okatwa hailed the youngster's efforts in helping the side stroll to victory noting that he has been a revelation this season for his side.

“Ouma did a good job,” offered Okatwa “he is the same guy that has kept us in matches this season, he came in and changed the tempo of the game and eventually he was key in all our goals,” noted the young expert who is known for developing young talents.

In his first season in the second tier, joining directly from Butere Boys’ High School, Ouma has shown maturity in the number 6 role, catching the eyes of Salim Babu who drafted him to the provisional Harambee Stars Under 18 squad, however, he did not make the cut to the final team but his gaffer believes it is a step to the right direction for the young lad.

“He was part of the Under 18 team but did not travel to Kisumu, by just getting the call-up, is a motivation to him and I trust he is on the right track,” added the former Kangemi All-Stars coach who is best remembered for producing Nairobi City Stars striker Kevin Etemesi.

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On his side, the aspiring young talent deduced that he was banking on the lessons learned from the national team to improve his game and grab more caps for the country in various age categories.

“It was appealing to get a chance with the Junior Stars, I picked a lot from there that is going to help me improve as a person and player,” said Ouma, “my aim is to represent the country at various age groups up to the senior team set up.”

Despite the national team's heartbreak, the player has affirmed his commitment to club duties and help Nairobi stroll to the top flight at the first time of asking, suggesting that they have all the talent to jostle with other sides for the league title and automatic promotion.

“It was disappointing not making it to the final squad but that is now behind my back as I embark on a promotion journey with the club. We can do it, we have talent and everything at our feet to make it happen,” he concluded.

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Ouma will be hoping to score his first goal for the Naibois when they take on Darajani Gogo on Sunday at Kasarani Annex.