Ryan Ogam: Ruaraka rocket scoring goals with ease

In the heart of Ruaraka, where the sun bleeds crimson onto the dew-kissed grass of Tusker FC's training ground, a legend is being forged.

Not in the mythical fires of old, but in the grit and glory of the Kenyan Premier League.

Ryan Ogam, a name whispered with reverence among fans, is no ordinary 20-year-old. He’s a whirlwind of motion, a blur of controlled chaos on the pitch, leaving defenders grasping at shadows in his wake.

He managed to net a record 15 goals in 13 matches before a cruel twist of fate – a nagging injury – halted his meteoric rise. But even sidelined, his presence is felt, a palpable energy radiating from the young striker.

His story isn't just about goals; it's a testament to the power of unwavering ambition.

He vividly recalls the dusty pitches where he honed his skills and the relentless practice under the scorching sun.

Each goal is a small victory, a step closer to a dream bigger than himself. It's a narrative woven with threads of resilience, showcasing the Kenyan spirit – tenacious, determined, and refusing to be defeated.

His story transcends the football field; it's a story of triumph over adversity, a testament to the human spirit's capacity for greatness.

The injury is a mere comma in his sentence, not a full stop. The Ruaraka Rocket is just getting started.

A Promising Beginning

The scent of freshly cut grass, the roar of the crowd – these were the lullabies of Ryan Ogam's childhood.

Born on December 21, 2004, at Pumwani Hospital in Nairobi, Ogam’s football journey began in Nairobi, where he attended Unity Primary School in Nairobi.

His early years were a blur of youthful energy, channelled into the beautiful game on dusty Nairobi streets.

Unity Primary School became his first training ground, a concrete jungle transformed into a miniature stadium by the boundless imagination of a boy with a ball at his feet.

Then came the leap – a move to Kakamega High School, a prestigious institution known for its sporting prowess.

From 2019 to 2021, the hallowed grounds of Kakamega witnessed the honing of his skills, three years of sweat, camaraderie, and the thrill of competition.

The transition to Dagoretti High School for his final year, in 2022, marked another chapter, a new stage in his evolving football narrative.

Ogam’s professional journey commenced with Rainbow FC, where he earned his first salary of  Sh15,000.

His prowess on the field caught the attention of international scouts, leading to a stint with Elite Falcons in Dubai.

Upon returning to Kenya, he signed with Tusker FC, where he has made a significant impact in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL).

Ogam developed his skills with local teams like Galaxy FC, Sunrise FC, and UEFA Despanol during his early years.

His international experience, honed further by representing Mysa Kenya at the Norway Cup (2017) and Yisca's team in Italy (2018), added layers of sophistication to his already impressive game.

Naturally, Ryan gravitated towards the defensive midfield, a reflection of his inherent nature.

He wasn't a flashy forward, a goal-scoring machine. He was a strategist, a conductor orchestrating the symphony of the game from the heart of the field.

His movements were calculated, his passes precise, his interceptions a testament to his tactical brilliance. He saw the field as a chessboard, each player a piece, each move meticulously planned.

He was a master of the unseen, the quiet force that dictated the rhythm of the match.

Ryan's football story is steeped in a rich heritage. Growing up in a family with deep ties to the sport, he was always surrounded by the echoes of the game.

His father, David Rabuok, a former defender for Gor Mahia, and his godfather, Arnold Origi, a celebrated goalkeeper, provided him with a unique perspective on the beautiful game.

The spectre of his father and godfather, giants in their own right, loomed large, a constant reminder of the immense expectations. Yet, within this pressure, Ryan found his strength, his unique style.

"I wasn't David or Arnold, but Ryan, a player forging his path, carving my legacy, one calculated move at a time," he said.

"It wasn't all that easy. The pressure was palpable. Every misplaced pass, every missed tackle, echoed the whispers of doubt – Can I live up to the legacy?"

But fate, it seems, had a different script. The shift from the defensive solidity of midfield to the explosive dynamism of a striker was unexpected, a bolt from the blue.

Ogam's transfer to Tusker FC from the defunct National Super League side Rainbow at the start of the 2024/25 season was a calculated risk, a bold move that defied expectations.

Initially signed as a defensive midfielder, his conversion to a striker under coach Charles Okere proved to be a stroke of genius, transforming a gamble into a resounding success.

The initial scepticism surrounding Ogam's transfer was understandable. Moving from a struggling second-tier team to a KPL behemoth like Tusker is a significant jump.

The pressure to perform at such a high level would be immense, especially for a player whose primary position was not even in the attacking third.

However, Okere saw something special in Ogam, a potential that was waiting to be unlocked.

"His decision to retrain me as a striker showcased his keen eye for talent and his willingness to take risks," Ryan said.

The results have been spectacular. Ogam's involvement in half of Tusker's goals is a testament to his rapid adaptation and undeniable talent.

"His contributions extend beyond mere goals; his work rate, his ability to hold up the ball, and his creative playmaking have all been instrumental in Tusker's offensive success. He has not only exceeded expectations but has arguably become one of the team's most valuable players," Okere said.

His prolific goal-scoring, including a hat-trick, helped Tusker FC secure crucial victories and earned him this prestigious award, beating out stiff competition from other top Kenyan athletes. 

From Rainbow, he carried with him the weight of a legacy lost, the pressure of unfulfilled potential, and the quiet determination to rewrite his story. Ruaraka, a team brimming with youthful energy and ambitious dreams, offered a stark contrast to Rainbow's fading grandeur.

The vibrant energy of the training ground, the camaraderie of the team, and the palpable hunger for success provided a fertile ground for Ogam to blossom. But the transition wasn't seamless.

The ghosts of Rainbow lingered, haunting his performances, whispering doubts in his ear. He struggled initially, his touch hesitant, his confidence fragile. Yet, something shifted.

The unwavering support of his teammates, the belief of his coach, and the roar of the Ruaraka faithful chipped away at his self-doubt.

He began to find his rhythm, his passes sharper, his shots more decisive. The Ogam enigma, once shrouded in uncertainty, began to unravel, revealing a player of immense talent, a player reborn.

A preseason journey to Uganda with the Brewers provided him with a perfect opportunity to gel with the rest of the playing unit.

The humid Ugandan air hung heavy, thick with the scent of dust and anticipation. For Ogam, it wasn't just another pre-season friendly; it was a baptism by fire. 

Yet, under the watchful gaze of Coach Charles Okere – a man who’d once mentored his father, a legacy weighing heavier than any expectation – Ogam found himself thrust into the unfamiliar role.

The first match was a blur. Nervous energy thrummed through him, a frantic hummingbird trapped in his chest. Then, a pass. A flash of instinct. The ball nestled perfectly in his foot, and the net bulged. A roar erupted, a wave of sound that washed over his initial fear. It was the first of many.

The pre-season friendlies became a crucible, forging a new Ogam. Each goal was a hammer blow, shaping his identity, solidifying his confidence. He wasn't just playing; he was transforming.

The hesitant teenager morphed into a predatory striker, his movements fluid, his shots precise.

The rest, as they say, is history. But it's a history etched not in trophies alone, but in the sweat, the struggle, and the unexpected triumph found in the heart of Uganda.

"Somehow, I managed to score," he recalls, a rare smile breaking through his determined facade. "And that's how it's stayed."

In November last year, Ogam was crowned the most outstanding player at the club, going home with a personalised trophy and a shopping voucher worth Sh50,000.

Then, in December, he tucked away the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month for December after a series of impressive performances. 

"I was overjoyed to be given the honour. It was very significant to me. I owe my teammates this accomplishment because without their help, I could not have made it this far.

"My development has also been greatly aided by the coaches. I am inspired to keep working hard and netting more goals by this recognition," he said.

His outstanding play earned him a spot in the Harambee Stars, the national team, where he led the strike at the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar.

It’s not just the crisp passes and calculated shots that define Ogam’s rise; it’s the unseen connection, the familial bond woven between him and his coach, Charles Okere.

Their relationship transcends the typical coach-player dynamic; it’s a tapestry of mentorship, respect, and a shared childhood etched in the dusty streets of their neighbourhood.

"Our connection is a deeply woven tapestry of shared history, a bond forged in the dust and sun-baked earth of our shared childhood," Okere stated. "It is not just about drills and strategies."

Okere, a towering presence both physically and figuratively, isn't merely a coach; he's a father figure, a mentor who steered Ogam through the choppy waters of adolescence.

Their relationship transcends the typical coach-player dynamic.

"Remember those sweltering afternoons, spent kicking a ragged ball against a crumbling wall? Those weren't just practice sessions; they were the foundations of a bond that now fuels Ogam's success," Okere said.

Okere's guidance wasn't limited to the football field; it extended to life lessons, whispered advice during quiet moments, a steady hand in times of doubt.

Ogam's skill is undeniable, the crisp passes a testament to his dedication. But it's the unspoken language between him and Okere, the shared history etched in their eyes, that truly elevates their story.

It's a narrative of mentorship, of unwavering support, and of a bond that proves the power of connection in shaping a champion. It's a story that resonates far beyond the final whistle.

Ogam remembers vividly, "He has been a positive influence in my life ever since I played for his team in the 2017 MYSA Norway Cup."

That tournament became a launching pad, propelled not just by Ogam's talent but by Okere's unwavering belief and strategic guidance.

"Our bond extends beyond the tactical board. Okere imparted life lessons, shaping my character as much as my game," Ogam recalls.

This mentorship was complemented by the grounded support of Ogam's father, who initially emphasised education.

The internal conflict between academics and athletics, a familiar struggle for many young athletes, was ultimately resolved by Ogam's burning passion for football.

"All along, I've always dreamt of playing in the Premier League to relocate overseas. That has been my driving force," he declares, his ambition a testament to the power of mentorship and unwavering dedication.

The Ogam Comet: A Blazing Debut

The football pitch, usually a canvas of green predictability, exploded with the unexpected arrival of Ogam. His debut season wasn't a gentle introduction; it was a supernova.

A record 13 goals in 14 games – numbers that shimmered like freshly minted trophies. He wasn't just scoring; he was rewriting the narrative of Tusker FC, etching his name into the club's legend with each breathtaking strike.

Two consecutive Player of the Month awards? Mere footnotes to the meteoric rise of this young talent.The roar of the crowd, once a distant hum, now thunders in his ears – a testament to his electrifying performances.

His selection for the Harambee Stars, twice in as many months, is the ultimate validation. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of accolades, Ogam remains remarkably grounded.

"I didn't expect this. At least not in my debut season with Tusker. I now thank Coach Okere for believing in me and transforming me into an effective striker," he confesses, a hint of disbelief colouring his words.

His journey is a stark reminder that success, especially in the unpredictable world of sports, often arrives unannounced, a bolt of lightning illuminating a previously dark sky.

This unexpected success fuels him, pushing him to reach further, to strive for a brilliance that surpasses even his current dazzling form.

He's not just playing football; he's crafting a story, a thrilling narrative of talent, hard work, and the exhilarating uncertainty of chasing dreams.

The Weight of Dreams: Ogam's Journey

Ogam's future stretches before him, a vast, uncertain field as green and challenging as the pitch he commands. The weight of expectation presses down – the fervent hopes of Kenyan fans, the pressure to perform, the ghost of Elvis Rupia's record 27 Premier League goals.

Yet, Ogam’s gaze is steady, his ambition tempered by a quiet humility. He doesn't dismiss the record; he acknowledges its existence with a shrug and a candid, "Although I would be lying if I claimed to be considering it, I would still like to do it."

This isn't arrogance masked as modesty; it's a genuine prioritisation of team success over individual glory.

"My focus isn't solely on personal accolades, but on the collective triumph of his team," he said.

His dreams, however, reach beyond the Kenyan Premier League. He envisions himself on the hallowed turf of Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United, a testament to his unwavering belief in his abilities.

This isn't mere fantasy; it's the fuel driving his relentless pursuit of excellence. 

His final words resonate with a quiet power: "I hope that one day people will remember me as a player who came, defeated, and motivated the next generation."