Why Kenya U20 forward turned down 4 offers in USA to join Saginaw Valley FC
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 05.03.25. | 15:00
The young striker moved to the USA in 2023 through a scholarship after impressing in the School games for Goseta Boys
Kenya U20 striker Louise Ingavi has revealed why he rejected four offers to settle for United States of America's NCAA Division II Great Lakes College Cup League side Saginaw Valley State University FC.
Ingavi joined Saginaw on Friday last week, on a two-year deal, from Montverde Academy, marking a significant step in his journey to professional football.
The budding goal-poacher moved to the United States of America after signing for Montverde late in 2023, following the completion of his studies at Goseta Boys High School.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport shortly after putting pen to paper at Saginaw, Ingavi revealed that Eastern Florida, St. Leo University, NNU and Western Florida were all in the race for his signature.
The forward says that the constant communication coach Louis Barrow has been having with him since last year attracted him to join Saginaw.
"I am happy to have signed my first professional contract. I had plenty of offers, but Saginaw tabled a good offer. Their coach has wanted me at the club since last year. Their program is good, so are their facilities," he said in a telephone interview.
Having upgraded in the US, Ingavi believes the new club will offer him a platform to market his talent to a wider reach, even as he seeks to follow the footsteps of Harambee Stars assistant captain Joseph Stanley Okumu.
The French-based centre-back made good use of his time in the United States to audition for big clubs as Swedish side IF Elfsborg acquired his signature from USL club Real Monarchs.
Before joining Monarchs in August 2018, Okumu played for another American side, Ann Arbor, for four months.
Ever since exiting American soccer, the former Chemelil Sugar FC man has never looked back, as he joined Elfsborg before crossing to Belgium, where he signed for KAA Gent.
His performances at Gent, particularly in European assignments, saw French Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims acquire his signature in July 2023.
Ingavi says he is keen on flourishing at his new club and following the footsteps of the central defender.
"Okumu's rise from South Africa to the US then top European leagues is a source of motivation. He was patient, hard working and adapted well in new environments.
He is disciplined and makes the most of every opportunity. I see myself following a similar path," he added.
.jpg)
