English winger Olawale Tanimowo has become one of the most unusual foreign players in the Kyrgyz Premier League this season.
The OshMU attacker is the first English footballer to play in Kyrgyzstan’s top division. Since arriving in Osh, he has quickly adapted to his new surroundings and established himself as one of the club’s key attacking players, recording three goals and two assists in his first nine matches.
OshMU are still a young club and currently sit in the middle of the table, but Tanimowo has already managed to stand out in a developing side. His impact also fits a wider pattern: the club has shown an ability to work successfully with foreign players.
Last season, Brazilian forward Richard Romário played for OshMU, scored 19 goals in 26 matches and finished as the Kyrgyz Premier League’s top scorer before moving to Muras United, one of the strongest clubs in the country.
Club officials at OshMU believe Tanimowo may not stay in Kyrgyzstan for long either, with several clubs — including teams from the stronger Uzbek league — already showing interest.
Before moving to Central Asia, Tanimowo’s career had already taken him across several countries. A former Bolton Wanderers academy player, he later played in Norway and Estonia, while also spending time in Scotland.
In an interview with Eurasia Football, Tanimowo spoke about his journey from London to Osh, the level of Kyrgyz football and why more players are beginning to look at Asia as an alternative to smaller European leagues.
“Football Is Bigger Than The Country You Grow Up In”
— You are the first English footballer in Kyrgyzstan. How did this move happen?
— I already had experience outside England, so moving abroad again wasn’t something unusual for me. Football is bigger than the country where you grow up.
The opportunity came through agents and contacts. They told me about the league, the club and the chance to play regularly and show myself. I thought it would be an interesting challenge.
— You started your career in England?
— Yes. I was born and raised in London and came through the Bolton Wanderers academy system. Later, opportunities abroad started appearing.
For a young player, it’s important not just to wait for the perfect offer, but to play, improve and experience different football cultures.
“I Had A Trial At Motherwell”
— You also spent time in Scotland?
— Yes. I had a trial with Motherwell. I played a few matches and scored two goals, but I didn’t get a professional contract in the end.
That’s football. Sometimes you can perform well and things still don’t work out. It’s part of the journey, especially for young players trying to break through.
— Transfermarkt doesn’t mention that spell.
— Not everything makes it into the databases. There are trials, friendlies and short periods with clubs that never fully appear in the records.
“Asia Is Becoming More Attractive”
— After that came Norway and Estonia?
— Yes. I played in Estonia’s top division. It was an important experience because every country has a different football culture, different coaching and different expectations.
You learn how to adapt — not only on the pitch, but off it as well.
— You became known in Estonia for your dribbling ability.
— Dribbling is one of my strengths. I like taking players on, creating chances and bringing something unpredictable into the game.
As an attacking player, you want to make things happen.
— Many players now see leagues like Kyrgyzstan as stepping stones. Do you agree?
— Yes, definitely.
For foreign players, Kyrgyzstan can be a good place to develop, get minutes and move forward. For many footballers, that’s more important than simply sitting on the bench somewhere in Europe.
— More players today seem willing to choose Asia over smaller European leagues like Malta, Kosovo or Bosnia. Why is that?
— Every player has a different path.
For some players, Europe will always be the dream, even if it’s a smaller league. Others want regular football, stability and a chance to grow step by step.
Asia is becoming more attractive now. There are leagues here where you can really show your level.
If you perform consistently, people notice you.
“The League Is Growing”
— How would you describe the level of football in Kyrgyzstan?
— The league is improving. There are organised teams, physical players and technically strong footballers.
Every championship has its own identity. In Kyrgyzstan, you need to be ready for intensity, transitions and physical battles.
— Can you compare it with Estonia?
— In some ways, yes. They’re different leagues, but there are similarities.
Estonia also has young players, foreign footballers and clubs trying to develop. I think Kyrgyz football is growing too. You can feel new ambition here.
— What do you think about local Kyrgyz players?
— There is definitely talent.
I’ve seen players who are technically good, brave on the ball and quick in their decisions. Of course, to move to a higher level, you also need discipline and consistency. But the talent is there.
“You Can’t Skip Steps”
— Kyrgyzstan has recently started building links with European academies and clubs, including Barcelona and Aston Villa projects. Could Kyrgyz players eventually get opportunities in England?
— I think it’s possible, but it requires a proper system.
Talent alone isn’t enough. Players need to be physically, technically and mentally ready. Academies need strong coaching, methodology and opportunities to compete internationally.
If that develops, more doors can open.
— Do English clubs pay attention to players from smaller Asian or African countries?
— It happens. English football is extremely competitive, but if a player is talented and represented properly, opportunities can come.
Sometimes players go on trial, sometimes they enter academies through connections or development programmes.
It’s difficult, but it’s not impossible.
— So development has to happen step by step?
— Exactly.
First a good academy, then regular football, then stronger leagues. You can’t skip steps.
“I Take This Seriously”
— What has impressed you most about Kyrgyzstan outside football?
— The people. Everyone has been very welcoming. I like the atmosphere, the food and the way people treat you here.
— Your favourite club?
— Arsenal.
— A lot of people in Kyrgyzstan support Arsenal too.
— Yes, I noticed that. It’s nice.
— Favourite player?
— Neymar. I’ve always loved his style, his technique and the freedom he plays with.
— What do you see as your next step after Kyrgyzstan?
— I’m open to different opportunities.
The most important thing is to play, improve and stay in the right environment. If there’s a good project in Asia, I’m interested. If an opportunity comes in Europe, I’m open to that too.
— So Kyrgyzstan isn’t just a random stop in your career?
— No. I take this seriously.
I came here to play, help the team and use this experience to continue developing as a footballer.