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Kenyan Joseph Stanley Okumu has been signed by Real Monarchs SLC for the remainder of the 2018 USL season. This signing is pending approval of his P-1 Visa as well as by the league and federation. No further terms were announced.
Okumu is a 6’4” central defender who possesses natural athleticism and developing skill in 1-on-1 defending and passing. Okumu was crucial in AFC Ann Arbor’s nine clean sheets during the 12 match NPSL season. In addition his side allowed only 4 league goals during the entire season, had the lowest goals against average per game in the league and won their second consecutive Great Lakes Conference championship.
In announcing the signing General Manager Dan Egner said:
“Stanley had a tremendous season with AFC Ann Arbor, and it was hard to not take notice. We had the luxury of having an open roster spot and felt that Stanley was the perfect player to add. Not only does Stanley give us defensive depth for the rest of the season, he is a player that we believe can develop into something special at this club. It’s not easy to go halfway across the world and play in a new country, but Stanley showed during his time at AFC Ann Arbor that he was up to the task, and credit to him, he earned this opportunity and we couldn’t be happier to have him.”
Okumu spent time with the Kenyan U-21, 23 and Senior teams beginning in 2016 and served as captain of the U-23 team during a recent two match series with Uzbekistan. Since coming to the US earlier this year, Okumu’s resumé has added a 2018 NPSL National XI selection, 2018 Great Lakes Conference Best XI and selection as the TopDrawer Soccer Player of the Year in 2018.
Okumu added:
“It feels great to be part of a great team like the Monarchs. The Monarchs are at the very top of the league so to be a part of that is special. I want to do my best to help the team win another championship and be successful in the playoffs.”