LONDON, England — Charlton Athletic head coach Nathan Jones has heaped praise on Kenyan international defender Collins Sichenje, describing him as a “super athlete” after the centre-back’s first days at the English Championship club.
Sichenje, 22, completed a deadline-day move to the London-based side from Serbian SuperLiga outfit FK Vojvodina, with the transfer reportedly valued at around Sh334 million.
He signed a three-and-a-half-year contract that will keep him at The Valley until 2029, marking a major milestone in his career and for Kenyan football.
Jones said the former AFC Leopards defender has quickly settled in and is physically ready for the demands of English football.
“He’s actually up to speed,” Jones said. “He’s done a pre-season, he’s had a full season, had a little bit of time off, and then is doing a pre-season with his team. And he’s a super athlete, as you would expect from having Kenyan heritage. He’s an athlete, so we know that.”
While acknowledging that adapting to the Championship can take time, Jones expressed confidence in Sichenje’s qualities and mentality.
“He’ll take a little bit of time to adapt to English football, and then Championship football especially,” he said.
“But we’re really happy with him. He’s aggressive, he’s front-footed, and technically really good.”
The Charlton boss revealed that the club had initially planned to sign Sichenje in the summer but moved earlier after an opportunity arose during the January window.
“He was one we earmarked for the summer,” Jones said.
“But by doing our business early and pushing, we were able to get it done. These transfers take time, and we’re delighted to have got it through.”
Charlton Athletic Managing Director James Rodwell echoed the coach’s sentiments, describing the signing as part of a long-term recruitment strategy.
“We’re delighted to sign Collins,” Rodwell said.
“He’s a player we’ve been tracking for a long time and was originally budgeted to join us this summer as part of our multi-window strategy. We’re pleased the opportunity arose earlier and grateful to the ownership for supporting the move.”
Jones also highlighted Sichenje’s age and potential for growth.
“He’s only 22, an aggressive, front-footed centre-back who can grow with us,” he said. “He’s one we’re excited to welcome to the football club.”
Speaking after completing the move, Sichenje said joining Charlton represents a significant step in his career.
“It feels amazing to be here,” he said. “It’s a good club with a good project, and I’m ready to start working. It’s a big step for my career, and a good opportunity to keep developing and helping the team. I just need to stay humble and keep working.”
Born in Butere, Western Kenya, Sichenje began his football journey at Green Commandos before joining AFC Leopards in 2019.
His career has since taken him across Europe, with spells at PAOK B in Greece, AIK in Sweden, KuPS Kuopio in Finland, and FK Vojvodina in Serbia, where he enjoyed his most consistent run of games.
His move to Charlton makes him the first Kenyan player to sign for the club.
At the international level, Sichenje made his Harambee Stars debut in March 2021 in a 1–0 win over South Sudan and has since earned several caps for Kenya.
Charlton currently sit 18th in the Championship standings and are fighting to avoid relegation.
The club is seeking momentum after a recent 2–0 win over Leicester City, having strengthened the squad during the transfer window.
For Sichenje, the move to England represents both a personal breakthrough and another step forward for Kenyan football on the European stage.
