In a decisive move to bolster their defensive line, Charlton Athletic Football Club has completed the signing of Kenya international centre-back Collins Sichenje from Serbian Super Liga side FK Vojvodina for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old defender has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the English Championship club, committing his future to The Valley until the summer of 2029.
Club officials revealed that securing Sichenje’s signature represents a successful acceleration of their long-term recruitment strategy. The defender was originally identified as a primary target for the summer 2026 transfer window, but the opportunity to secure him earlier prompted immediate action.
“We’re pleased that the opportunity arose for him to join us earlier than we expected,” said Charlton’s Managing Director, James Rodwell. He emphasized the move as part of the club’s “multi-window strategy to move the club forward” and expressed gratitude to the ownership for their support in finalizing the deal.
Manager Nathan Jones was effusive in his praise for the new arrival, highlighting the specific attributes that made Sichenje a coveted prospect. “We’re thrilled to add Collins, who is a defender that we’ve been tracking for a long, long time,” Jones stated.
“He’s an aggressive, front-footed centre-back who is only 22 years of age, so he can grow with us”. Jones further elaborated on the player’s mentality, describing him as a defender who “attacks the ball, he attacks the opponent,” aligning with the competitive DNA Jones is instilling at the club.
For Sichenje, the transfer marks a significant milestone in a professional journey that began in his hometown of Butere, Kenya.
Having honed his skills with Kakamega High School’s famed Green Commandos team and begun his senior career with AFC Leopards, his path to England has included formative spells in Greece, Sweden, Finland, and most recently Serbia.
He has earned eight caps for the Harambee Stars since his senior international debut in 2021, an experience he credits with accelerating his development.
“Yeah, it’s been a good experience to get those minutes at such a young age,” Sichenje reflected. “It’s helped me gain experience in games, so I have learned a lot from those games”.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new challenge, Sichenje said, “It feels amazing to be here”. “It’s a good club with a good project, and I’m ready to start working. It’s a big step for my career”. He acknowledged the step up in intensity, noting that “the training is intense, good” and that the squad possesses strong motivation and energy.
The defender also outlined his personal approach and playing style, stating, “You just need to be humble and keep working. That’s the goal. Yeah, I’m fast, I’m aggressive, I’m talkative on the pitch, I’m like a leader”.
Sichenje becomes Charlton’s seventh acquisition of the January transfer window, joining the likes of Harry Clarke, Lyndon Dykes, and Conor Coady as the Addicks aim to strengthen their squad for a push in the Championship.
Reports suggest the transfer fee paid to Vojvodina is in the region of £1.7 million, with the Serbian club securing a 20 percent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
The move not only fulfills a career ambition for Sichenje to test himself in English football but also serves as a landmark moment for Kenyan football, placing another of its international talents in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.