Outgoing Kahawa Pride CEO Matthias Ölander has revealed that a conversation with Harambee Stars assistant captain Joseph Okumu played a pivotal role in bringing him to Kenyan football and ultimately securing him the top job at the ambitious club.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsÖlander, who is returning to his native Sweden after four years with Kahawa Pride, said his journey to Kenya began through his connection with Okumu, whom he knew while the defender was turning out for Swedish top-flight side IF Elfsborg.##NAJAVA_MECA_9901499##Okumu joined IF Elfsborg in August 2019 from American side Real Monarchs after impressing for Harambee Stars at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. During his two seasons in the Allsvenskan, he made 42 appearances before earning a €3.5 million move to Belgian giants KAA Gent in July 2021. The towering centre-back now plays for French side Stade de Reims, and serves as the assistant captain of the Kenya national team.Recalling how he landed the CEO role at Kahawa Pride, Ölander explained that Okumu connected him with key figures in Kenyan football, opening doors that would eventually shape his career.Talanta Sports City Stadium nears completion (Photos)"I was back home in Sweden in early 2020 when I decided to travel to Kenya. Shortly after I arrived, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing me to return home," Ölander said."Before I came back again, I spoke to Joseph Okumu, who was playing for IF Elfsborg in Sweden at the time. He gave me a few contacts and encouraged me to reach out to them once I was in Kenya. I did exactly that, and those conversations eventually led me to Kahawa Pride. That's how this journey began."The move marked the beginning of a transformative chapter for both Ölander and Kahawa Pride.During his tenure, the club enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its history. Kahawa Pride secured a historic first-ever promotion from the county league to the Football Kenya Federation Regional League, Kenya's fifth tier, while also lifting the KSA Preseason Cup.KCCA coach reveals significance of friendly match with AFC LeopardsThe club's women's side, Kahawa Pride Lionesses, also flourished under his leadership, finishing second in the league after a series of dominant performances and high-scoring victories.Off the pitch, Ölander oversaw the implementation of a financially transparent management model, while strengthening the club's community-driven philosophy, helping establish Kahawa Pride as one of Kenya's fastest-rising football projects.Although his tenure is coming to an end, the outgoing CEO believes the relationships forged over the past four years can continue creating opportunities for Kenyan footballers to pursue careers abroad."We now have strong relationships with several European agents. More management teams are coming to Kenya to see the work we're doing, and countries like Sweden and Poland offer excellent pathways for Kenyan players," he said. "If I can continue serving as a bridge between those agents and clubs here in Kenya, I'll do everything I can to help create more opportunities for local talent."##NAJAVA_MECA_9901513##Ölander hopes those links will strengthen the pathway between Kenyan football and Europe, allowing more local players to follow in the footsteps of stars such as Okumu.Looking back on his four-year stay, Ölander described the experience as one of the most rewarding chapters of his professional life."It's been an incredible experience from start to finish. For the first three years, I managed things mostly from Sweden, visiting Kenya a few times each year. Since December 2025, though, I've been based here full-time," he said."I'll miss everything: the people, the culture and the warmth of Kenya. Going back to the cold weather in Sweden isn't exactly something I'm looking forward to. I'd love to stay, but duty is calling me back home,” he offered.KCB complete move for young NSL strikerWhile praising Kenyan football's passion and immense potential, Ölander admitted adapting from Sweden's highly structured sporting environment presented its own challenges."Coming from Sweden, where everything is highly structured, adjusting to a different way of doing things was probably the biggest challenge. Timekeeping, securing venues and organising logistics don't always work the way you'd expect," he explained."But that's also part of the charm of Kenyan football. You know a match might not kick off exactly on time, and everyone is okay with it. Whenever we're in control of organising a game, we make sure everything runs on schedule."Gor Mahia assistant captain warns FKFPL teams over promoted Migori YouthDespite those differences, Ölander says they are among the memories he will cherish most when he returns home."Despite the challenges, I'll genuinely miss that unique charm. It's all been part of the experience," he concluded.