Tusker FC’s goal-scoring sensation, Ryan Ogam, has opened up about the pressure he felt in scoring his maiden goal for Harambee Stars during their campaign in the Mapinduzi Cup in the Pemba Islands earlier this year. Ogam’s goal came in Kenya’s 2-0 victory over Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Stars, marking his first for the national team in a competition that had initially been planned as a warm-up for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. The tournament was later postponed, with the competition now slated for August instead of February.
Although Ogam’s appearances for Harambee Stars have been limited to the local-based players’ category, which doesn’t count as FIFA-recognized caps, he still felt the weight of carrying his club form to the international stage. His goal against Tanzania in the Mapinduzi Cup highlighted the pressure he was under to prove himself, as many critics had questioned whether his impressive performances in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) would translate to international football.
“There was pressure, but I wanted to actually do it because otherwise, people would have said I was only scoring in the KPL but not internationally,” Ogam reflected in an interview after winning the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) Sports Personality Award for January. “It was not a lot of pressure, but I wanted to score,” he added.
Ogam’s meteoric rise in the FKF Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable. In his debut season, he has already netted 15 goals in 16 matches, earning back-to-back Tusker Player of the Month awards, along with multiple fan-voted accolades. His remarkable form has made him one of the most talked-about young talents in Kenyan football, with many speculating about his potential future on the international scene.
Football runs deep in Ogam’s family, as he is the son of former Gor Mahia defender David Rabuok, a player that Tusker head coach Charles Okere coached during his final years at Ngara Pelico. Growing up, Ogam was closely involved in the local football scene and idolized one player in particular: Michael Olunga. “I used to watch Olunga a lot, especially when he was at Gor Mahia. To get to where he now is in his career is a testament to his hard work, and I would love to follow in his footsteps,” Ogam shared. Olunga, now playing at the highest levels in football, has been a major influence on Ogam’s development as a player.
In addition to Olunga’s influence, Ogam credits his early experiences as a forward at Kakamega and Dagoretti, along with the coaching he received at various clubs, for shaping his current form and goal-scoring ability. These formative years have certainly paid off, with Ogam showcasing a keen instinct for finding the back of the net and consistently performing under pressure.
Despite his rising prominence at the domestic level, Ogam’s ambitions don’t stop there. His next goal is to cement his place in the national team and secure his first official cap for Harambee Stars. With his exceptional talent and work ethic, Ogam appears poised to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Michael Olunga. If his current trajectory is any indication, Ogam’s future in both domestic and international football looks incredibly promising. His continued development at Tusker FC could soon earn him a more permanent role in the Harambee Stars setup and propel him onto the global stage.
