MOFA striker Lawrence Okoth seals move to Finland

Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) forward Lawrence Okoth Ouma has signed a two-year deal with Finnish top-flight side SJK Seinäjoki, becoming the first player from the academy and club to sign a professional contract abroad.

The deal was agreed on August 25, but the announcement was delayed while his International Transfer Certificate was finalized.

 “From MOFA to the world! We are proud to announce that Lawrence ‘Lawi’ Okoth has completed a two-year move to Finnish top-flight side SJK Seinäjoki.

A native of Sikri, Homa Bay County, and a true pioneer of the MOFA vision, Lawi embodies what we stand for—holistic growth through sport, education, and character.

As he embarks on this exciting new chapter, we wish him every success,” the club said.

Okoth’s journey reflects steady progress through Kenya’s football ranks. After completing his studies at Gianchere Friends High School in 2022, he joined Vihiga Bullets, scoring seven goals in the 2022/23 season.

He later moved to Samwest Blackboots, where he netted 10 goals and five assists in 2023/24 under coach George Owoko. His performances earned him a mid-2024 switch to MOFA, where he added another 10 goals despite national team commitments.

Internationally, the 20-year-old forward shone with Kenya’s U20 Rising Stars, scoring in a 4–0 win over Burundi during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He went on to score two more goals at the finals in Cairo, including Kenya’s first-ever goal at the tournament, finishing as the team’s top scorer.

Football runs in the family—his brother Dennis plays for Mathare United, while their father once coordinated youth development for Aspire Football Academy.

SJK Seinäjoki, founded in 2007 and Finnish champions in 2015, currently competes in the Veikkausliiga are currently fifth on the table that plays in regular and play-off formats.

Okoth’s move signals a landmark moment for both the player and MOFA, linking grassroots Kenyan football to Europe’s professional stage and fulfilling the academy’s mission to develop talent for the world.