Sichenje now looks settled after moving to Serbia last summer following a series of loans in Greece and Denmark from Swedish outfit AIK.
After years of bouncing between clubs in Greece, Sweden, and Finland, Collins Sichenje appears to have finally found a home in Serbian powerhouse FC Vojvodina Novi Sad.
The 21-year-old Kenyan defender, who joined the club on loan from AIK in July 2024, has since signed a three-year deal, signaling a fresh start in his European journey.
For Sichenje, this move to Vojvodina has been transformative. Reflecting on his brief but impactful stint so far, the centre-back revealed that the supportive environment in Novi Sad has played a crucial role in helping him rediscover his confidence and ambition.
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Speaking to Serbian TV Arena Sport, Sichenje described how his decision to seek a loan move stemmed from frustration over limited opportunities at AIK. “After limited playing time in Sweden, I told my agent that a loan move would be a good option for me. Vojvodina called, and I accepted it,” he shared.
Since arriving in Serbia, Sichenje has felt a deep connection with both the club and the city. “I like this environment. I think that here in Novi Sad, if you are humble, everyone is ready to help you. The atmosphere within the club is like a family. Most importantly, Vojvodina appreciates what I do—they have shown they believe in me,” he added.
It didn’t take long for Sichenje to make his mark. His standout performance against Ajax Amsterdam in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers, just weeks before his 21st birthday, not only showcased his potential but also cemented his place in Vojvodina’s plans for the future.
Sichenje’s journey to this point has been anything but smooth. After making his debut for Kenya’s Harambee Stars in 2021, the former AFC Leopards defender ventured to Europe, starting with Greece’s PAOK. However, his time there was cut short due to non-football-related issues.
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“In Greece, I realized that football is truly what I want to do. I saw what foreign leagues look like and understood that this is the way of life I want to have,” Sichenje revealed. Yet, a change in PAOK’s sporting director and unresolved bureaucratic matters forced him to return to Kenya.
From Greece, he moved to AIK in Sweden, where he struggled to secure regular playing time. A brief stint with KuPS in Finland followed before the opportunity with Vojvodina came knocking.
Through these ups and downs, Sichenje credits his father for being his unwavering support system. “When it comes to me and football, my father played a big role. From a young age, he followed every step of my path, and his presence motivated me a lot,” he said.
Interestingly, Sichenje also acknowledged a mentor from his early days in Kenya, though their relationship has since soured.
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“There is this one person in Kenya… We’re no longer on good terms now because I switched agencies, but I will forever be grateful to that guy because he trained me as if I were his own son. He took me under his wing, and there wasn’t anything he wasn’t willing to do for me,” he revealed.
For Sichenje, Vojvodina represents more than just another club—it’s a place where he feels valued, supported, and motivated to succeed. The familial atmosphere and the club’s belief in his abilities have reignited his passion for the game.
Reflecting on his journey so far, Sichenje sees Vojvodina as the club where he can finally thrive and prove himself on the European stage. “Here, I feel like I belong,” he said.
