Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam has shed light on the main reason behind his slow start to life in Austria following his move to Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC.
The talented Kenyan forward, who made a name for himself with an impressive debut season at Tusker FC, joined the Austrian top-flight outfit in September but has found the transition to European football more challenging than expected.
So far, Ogam has featured in only three matches for Wolfsberger, starting two of them, and has missed the club’s last four league fixtures. In some games, he was an unused substitute, while in others, he did not make the matchday squad. Despite the limited minutes, Ogam remains optimistic as he continues to settle into his new environment.
The 22-year-old striker revealed that the biggest challenge he is currently facing is adapting to the freezing European weather. Having grown up and played in Kenya, where temperatures are generally warm, Austria’s early winter conditions have come as a shock.
“Life has been great, but I’m still trying to adapt to the weather because it’s really cold,” Ogam admitted. “Everything is okay and getting better by the day.”
Austria’s November temperatures can drop to as low as 3°C, and by December, they often fall below freezing. Such drastic climatic differences can take a toll on players unaccustomed to cold-weather football, and Ogam’s adjustment period has been a factor in his gradual introduction to the starting lineup.
Beyond the climate, the striker also highlighted the high standards of professionalism and structure in European football. According to him, the Austrian system demands strict discipline, both on and off the pitch.
“What stands out is the structure and professionalism,” he noted. “They have really put their systems together compared to Kenya. We are trying, but the level there is much higher, and that also comes with discipline.”
Ogam’s rise to prominence began at Tusker FC, where he scored 15 goals in 17 matches, followed by two goals in five appearances at the 2024 African Nations Championship. Despite a slow start in Austria, the forward remains confident that consistent hard work and adaptation will soon see him rediscover his goal-scoring form and make a significant impact for Wolfsberger AC.
