Sydney Lokale after being unveiled by his new club in Finland. PHOTO/HIFK Fotboll
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 10 – Kariobangi Sharks striker Sydney Lokale has joined Finnish top tier side HIFK Fotboll on loan for the rest of the 2020 season, with an option to buy, and was unveiled by the club on Thursday evening.
The 19-year old has been part of the Sharks side for the last two seasons but will now have his first overseas adventure with the Helsinki based side and joined in with the rest of his teammates on Thursday.
He will join former Kenyan international Arnold Origi who also turns out for the club and Lokale disclosed that the presence of the former ‘Kenya One’ made it easier for him to cross over.
“I’m not that familiar with the club, but I’ve been watching some videos and reading up on the clubs history. I see myself as a good and versatile player and I want to achieve big things here. To the supporters I want to say that I’ve come here to work hard and earn your love,” Lokale told the club’s official website after he was unveiled.
The lanky striker scored 12 goals for Sharks across all competitions last season and also featured for the Kenya Under 23 team and the senior side that played in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Tanzania.
“In Sydney, we get the final piece for our attacking game. He’s a young, humble and ambitious player and these are important values that we’re building our team on,” says sports director Mika Lönnström.
Lokale’s departure will now force Sharks to go into the market for another out and out striker as they look to get their Kenyan Premier League campaign back on track.
