Kenyan Prodigy Sydney Lokale Joins HIFK On Loan

Kenyan prodigy Sydney Lokale, once courted by Europe’s top teams, has agreed to join Finnish side HIFK Fotboll on loan, the club announced on Friday.

The 19-year-old forward arrived in Helsinki from Kenyan Premier League side Kariobangi Sharks and is expected to be there on a six-month loan.

Lokale scored 12 goals in 10 games for the Kariobangi Sharks and also scored once for the Kenyan U-23 national team.

Speaking after the announcing the player’s arrival, Sporting Director for HIFK Mika Lönnström noted that they are convinced Lokale will add more value to the team.

“In Sidukka we get the final piece for our attacking game. He’s a young, humble and ambitious player and these are important values that we’re building our team on,” he said.

Lokale expressed his delight after completing his deal to the Swedish top-flight side, adding that he is ready to get to work.

“Feels good to be in Helsinki and with HIFK!..I’m not that familiar with the club, but I’ve been watching some videos and reading up on the clubs history. I see myself as a good and versatile player and I want to achieve big things here. To the supporters I want to say that I’ve come here to work hard and earn your love!,” Lokale told the club website.

Born in 1999 in Lodwar, Lokale helped Kariobangi Sharks lift the Kenyan Premier League Super Cup in December 2018 at the expense of Gor Mahia after he scored the only goal of the game.

He also played and scored for Kenya in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda on April 1 2017, before representing the Kenya U23 side against Mauritius in November 2018.