Ogam has been earning all the plaudits following impressive performances as a striker for Tusker, but he had been playing as a central midfielder prior to joining the club.
Tusker FC’s rising star Ryan Ogam has credited his parents, particularly his father, for playing a crucial role in his meteoric rise. His goal-scoring exploits for the Brewers have been turning heads, cementing his reputation as one of the FKF Premier League’s most promising talents.
Ogam’s impact in his debut season has been nothing short of remarkable. The 20-year-old, who hails from a football-rich background, has netted 15 goals in 17 matches, earning Tusker’s Player of the Month awards in both November and December.
In addition, he has won multiple fan-voted accolades, the SJAK Sports Personality of the Month award for January, and even marked his Harambee Stars debut with a goal during the Mapinduzi Cup in January.
Ryan Ogam’s rumored move to Algerian club USAM Alger has failed to materialise and the forward now has eyes on lofty ambitions with Tusker.
His performances have sparked interest from abroad, with Algerian giants USM Alger reportedly tabling a $30,000 bid for his services—an offer his camp ultimately turned down.
A Rapid Transformation
Ogam admits he never anticipated such a swift rise. “I didn’t expect everything to happen this quickly,” he told Mozzart Sport last December. “I didn’t even think I’d be playing as a striker.”
His unexpected transition from defensive midfield to a goal-poaching forward came during Tusker’s pre-season friendlies in Uganda. “Coach [Charles Okere] came up with this idea that I should play as a number nine. For some reason, I ended up scoring, and that’s how it stuck,” he recalls.
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What might have seemed like a risky position change was not so daunting for Ogam, who had long been influenced by both Okere and his father. His football lineage is undeniable—he is the son of former Gor Mahia defender David Rabuok, whom Okere once coached in his final playing days at Ngara Pelico.
Despite his impressive goal tally, Ogam’s season has had its setbacks. An injury earlier in the campaign sidelined him for several matches, but upon his return, he has been nearly unstoppable. Although he is currently experiencing a minor goal drought, his hold-up play and overall contribution to Tusker’s attack remain invaluable.
“My parents are very supportive. My dad has helped me overcome challenges mentally through his advice, as well as the foundation he laid in me to believe in Christ,” Ogam shared in an interview with Tusker media.
He also appreciates the platform Tusker FC has provided him. “Tusker is a big team in Kenya. It’s a great platform to express yourself, especially coming from the lower leagues to play at the top level. It shows you can make an impact and help the team.”
Ogam’s football journey has been anything but conventional. He honed his skills as a midfielder at Rainbow FC before making a move to the United Arab Emirates, where he spent eight months with Elite Falcons in September 2023. Upon returning to Kenya, he signed for Tusker, but it was during their pre-season camp in Uganda that he fully embraced his new role as a striker.
“Switching from midfield to striker wasn’t an issue for me,” he explains. “Before I joined Rainbow, I was playing as a striker for Dagoretti High School. I’ve always been comfortable in both positions and can adapt quickly.”
With his natural ability to adjust and an unwavering support system behind him, Ryan Ogam’s rise in Kenyan football appears destined for even greater heights.
