Sierra Leonean midfielder Saidu Sahid Fofanah, widely known as Okocha, has taken the next step in his professional career by signing with Hapoel Ra’anana A.F.C. in Israel’s second tier league, Liga Leumit. The move marks a new chapter for the 28-year-old after his time abroad with Kazakh club FC Zhetysu.
Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on 14 September 1997, Fofanah began his professional journey with local side FC Kallon, where he spent several seasons becoming one of the club’s key midfielders. Noted for his dynamism in the middle of the park and work rate, he assisted Kallon in competing in the top tier of Sierra Leone football before venturing abroad.
His displays caught the eye outside of West Africa, and he was soon on the move to AS Pikine in Senegal’s Ligue 1 in 2024. With Pikine, he adapted to a different brand of football and continued to make a name for himself as a solid midfielder.
Early in 2025, he moved to FC Zhetysu in the Kazakhstan Premier League, where he featured in over 20 games and accumulated important experience in European football.
Fofanah’s success at club level also led to his selection in the Sierra Leone national team. He made his debut in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match and represented the Leone Stars at the 2021 AFCON.
His consistency in midfield saw him become a regular in World Cup and continent qualifiers, as he contributed to his nation both defensively and going forward.
The latest move to Hapoel Ra’anana A.F.C. brings Fofanah to Liga Leumit, the second division of Israeli football. The club, based in the city of Ra’anana, has a rich football history dating back to the 1930s. It plays in a highly competitive league where teams are fighting for a spot in the top division.
Hapoel Ra’anana plays its home games at the Karnei Oren Memorial Field. The club is building its team, both local and international, and the addition of Fofanah will strengthen the team in the midfield. It is evident that the club is working hard to improve its status in the league.
This is a fresh platform for Saidu Fofanah to demonstrate his talent in a new football environment. The second-tier football league in Israel is known for its combination of tactical and physical football. This could be a great platform for Saidu Fofanah to take his career to the next level. For football fans back in Sierra Leone, the appearance of their homegrown midfielder in international football competitions is part of a growing trend of Sierra Leonean footballers playing in different football cultures.
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As Saidu Fofanah gets settled into his new club, football fans back in Sierra Leone will be watching with interest to see how he adapts and performs in the ongoing season.
