Ryan Ogam: Striker's parting shot - my blood will flow Tusker

Harambee Stars striker Ryan-Wesley Ogam has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Tusker FC for what he calls a “bigger platform” that allowed him to showcase his talent, noting that his move to the Brewers last summer was a major step in his football journey.

Ogam, 21, made a final stop at the Ruaraka Grounds on Wednesday to bid farewell to teammates and staff before heading to Austria after the ongoing international break.

Speaking during his farewell after sealing a multi-million transfer to Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC, Ogam described his time at Ruaraka as transformative, both in terms of competition level and personal growth.

“I sincerely thank Tusker for trusting me and giving me this platform. It has been a huge motivation for me to grow as a player and give my very best,” he said.

“My experience at Tusker has been a credible journey. I want to thank everyone — from management, the technical bench, and the coaching staff. Without them, I would not have made it this far,” he underscored.

The striker’s move ends speculation linking him to Gor Mahia, especially after K’Ogalo patron Eliud Owalo met Ogam’s parents, David and Edith Rabuok, shortly after also holding talks with Tusker defender Mike Kibwage, who eventually signed for ‘the Green Army’ as a free agent.

At Tusker, Ogam had set himself a 30-goal target for the 2024–25 season, but an untimely injury requiring surgery kept him out for three months.

By then, he had already scored 15 goals in 16 appearances, establishing an eight-goal lead at the top of the scorers’ chart.

His return on the final day against Kakamega Homeboyz, where he played 45 minutes, was not enough to rescue his golden boot ambitions.

The award eventually went to Moses Shummah of Homeboyz, who netted 17, one ahead of Emmanuel Osoro of relegated FC Talanta.

Despite the setback, his return proved timely as he earned a spot in Harambee Stars’ final CHAN 2024 squad named by coach Benni McCarthy, where he featured in five matches and scored twice.

Ogam, who began his career at Laser Galaxy FC before rising through Green Commandoes, revealed that his Tusker move came after failed transfer attempts to the USA and Sweden.

“After my time in Dubai, there were plans to take me either to the USA or Sweden. During the off-season, Tusker approached me and I decided to join while awaiting an overseas move. Nothing materialized, so I chose to settle at Tusker, build my name, and give my best to the club. I’m glad this paid off,” he reflected.

Now embarking on his Austrian adventure, Ogam acknowledges the challenge ahead but views it as another step towards greater heights.

“It’s a big step, but also a stepping stone. I know the responsibility is greater, and I must push myself harder than ever before to achieve my goals. From there, we will see what the next stage holds,” he stated.

Wolfsberger AC are currently sixth in the 12-team Austrian Bundesliga with seven points, six behind leaders Rapid Wien.