Joseph Okumu opens up on life in Ligue 1 ever since completing a switch from Belgian outfit Gent to Reims.
Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu has shed light on his journey in France since making a high-profile switch to Stade Reims in July 2023.
The towering center-back, who joined from Belgian side Gent for €12 million, has endured a rollercoaster start to life in Ligue 1, battling injuries while remaining focused on the club’s European ambitions.
Despite Reims sitting just five points clear of Rennes, who occupy the relegation play-off spot, Okumu remains optimistic about his side’s chances of securing continental football.
Ovella Ochieng’ was severley missed by AFC Leopards as they were forced to share the spoils with Murang’a Seal last Saturday.
“This season has had ups and downs on a personal level, but I managed it well after dealing with some difficult situations and injuries,” Okumu told GiveMeSport.
The 27-year-old has been hampered by persistent adductor issues, limiting him to just 10 league appearances this season.
However, after clocking 806 minutes across all competitions, he is determined to get back to full fitness and help Reims push for a strong finish.
“It was not a good start to the new year, but I still think we have the quality and ability to turn things around and be able to finish in a good position to qualify for a European competition. Qualifying for Europe is the objective for the club and for me as well. It is interesting to play at one of the highest levels,” he added.
Reims underwent a managerial change in the summer, with Slovenian tactician Luka Elsner replacing Will Still. The club initially started the season brightly, going on a six-match unbeaten run after losing to Lille on the opening day.
However, their form has dipped, with just one league win since a 4-2 victory over Montpellier in October.
Despite the struggles, Okumu is enjoying playing under Elsner’s system, which has transitioned from a back three to a two-man central defensive pairing.
“It has been interesting playing under the head coach,” Okumu noted. “There has been a shift from playing three at the back to two central defenders, but it has been quite an easy transition for me. He pushes us to the limit as well, which will help to bring the best out of us.”
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Timothy Ouma is set to join Czech giants Slavia Praha from Elfsborg, but the metrics show why Premier League clubs, such as Bretford, will continue monitoring his progress ahead of a potential move there in future.
Having previously played in Sweden and Belgium, Okumu has had to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of French football.
“Ligue 1 is quite an intense division, with very athletic players. I think that was one of the big shifts from the Jupiler Pro League, but the structure and culture are very similar to what I experienced in Belgium,” he explained.
“It has been so far so good during my time at Reims. It’s a calm city, and there is a good environment around the club as well.”
The Kenyan international also praised the club’s passionate supporters and remains determined to turn things around for them.
“We have a great fanbase. They were a little bit down after losing our first game of 2025, but we are hoping to turn things around in the remainder of the season and make them happy.”
If Okumu can stay injury-free, the Harambee Stars defender could prove to be a key figure in Reims’ ambitions of returning to European football.
