Thursday proved to be a significant day for Kenyan football, with two international stars making headlines in Sweden. Stanley Wilson, a former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder, was unveiled by AIK, sealing a three-year contract that marks a new chapter in his career. Meanwhile, Timothy “Babu” Ouma showcased his talents on the European stage, playing the full match as Elfsborg triumphed over Norwegian side FK Molde in the UEFA Europa League.

Stanley Wilson – AIK

The former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder was unveiled by AIK, joining the club on a three-year contract.

“We welcome Stanley to AIK. With patience and hard work, we strongly believe that he will become a top player for the club,” said the team’s sporting director, Thomas Berntsen.

“I have waited a long time for this opportunity. I am very happy to be part of the AIK family, and I look forward to fulfilling my dream of becoming a Swedish champion with the club,” Stanley said.

In January 2024, AIK invited Stanley Wilson for a trial during their training camp in Marbella, Spain, which took place from 29 January to 10 February 2024. AIK played two training matches during the camp, facing Serbian FK TSC Backa Topola (0–2) on 3 February and Norwegian Sarpsborg 08 FF (0–2) on 9 February. Stanley played the second half against FK TSC Backa Topola.

After returning to Sweden from Marbella, he trained with AIK for a while and, on 28 February 2024, played a training match at Årsta IP with AIK’s P19 team against Hammarby’s equivalent. Stanley started the match and scored a goal in the 3–1 victory. He then returned to Kenya before coming back in the summer for further trials with AIK.

On Thursday, 18 July 2024, AIK’s new head coach, Mikkkjal Thomassen, led his first training session at Karlberg, where Stanley Wilson was present.

Timothy “Babu” Ouma – Elfsborg

The former Nairobi City Stars midfielder played the entire game as Elfsborg edged Norwegian top-tier side FK Molde by a solitary goal in a UEFA Europa League match at Aker Stadion in Molde. Ahmed Qasem scored the all-important goal in the 15th minute.

Ouma has been at the centre of transfer speculation recently, with Italian side Empoli emerging as one of the clubs eyeing the attacking midfielder. Passion Sports can also reveal that two clubs in France are analysing his situation at Elfsborg.