18-year-old Latvia U19 international Viktors Ohvovoriole has officially completed his move to Korona Kielce from the Irish side Bohemians. But his path to professional football wasn’t so easy. Here is his story:
Born to a Latvian mother who moved to Ireland to pursue her studies, Viktors’ upbringing was characterised by a melting pot of traditional values of his heritage mixed in with the vibrancy of contemporary Irish metropolitan life. Being born and raised in Dublin and carrying dual Latvian and Irish citizenship, it could have seemed like an easier and more natural choice for Viktors to fully embrace his Irish surroundings and let Latvian background slowly fade away. Indeed, it would have been a story all too common for children of immigrants. In Viktors’ case, strong links to his Latvian roots were kept and nurtured through the influence of his mother and her parents. “My grandmother even moved to Ireland to live with us for three years of my life. During that time, she taught me Latvian, and now I’m fluent,” he recalls fondly.
Every summer from the age of five to fifteen, Viktors would travel to Saulkrasti – a sleepy yet picturesque resort town on the coast of the Gulf of Riga, sandwiched between dense pine forests and a small river running into the sea along tall sand dunes which conceal wide sandy beaches. Once there, he would spend about a month every year immersing into the local environment, connecting with his relatives and learning about the ancient culture which he was a heir to. Latvian folklore and mythology is deeply rooted in the language and the rituals still practiced today. Year after year, Viktors would learn the surprising resilience of spoken word, brought to life through song, dance, and the various quaint and borderline mystical practices, which allowed locals to preserve their core identity throughout eight centuries of colonization, occupation and genocide. “It was an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in the culture, speak Latvian with my cousins, and really connect with my heritage.”
While growing up in Ireland, Viktors faced challenges in his sporting pursuits. Despite dedicating himself fully to his team, training and practices, he struggled to meet his own expectations. “I gave 100% to my team and worked tirelessly, but I often felt like I wasn’t making the progress I wanted.” A turning point arrived when he received a call-up to represent the Latvian U-19 national team. With the support of his agent, this opportunity turned into a stepping stone as Viktors would now consistently receive invitations to training camps. “Playing for Latvia is a dream come true,” Viktors reflects, praising the U-19 National Team manager, Viktors Dobrecovs, for creating a nurturing environment. “He not only brings humour and support to the team but also creates an atmosphere where I feel comfortable and motivated.”
Finally, an opportunity of a lifetime presented itself — a call from Poland. Viktors was invited to come on trial with the Ekstraklasa side Korona Kielce. The professional atmosphere of a Polish top tier club immediately captivated and inspired him in equal measure. “The moment I arrived, I loved it. The atmosphere was incredibly professional, and I felt like this was the right place to grow.” Jumping at the chance to take his career to where he could only dream of even a few years ago while training in Ireland, Viktors made sure to leave everything on the pitch every single time. Physically strong but also mentally resilient and able to draw the wisdom and tradition of his Baltic ancestors learned from years spent among the towering pine forests of Vidzeme, he made an impression and was ultimately offered a contract which included a clear development plan. From the youth teams of Dublin to representing Latvia on an international level, he would now be starting with the second team of Korona Kielce as a true professional footballer.
“That was all I needed to hear. I’ve always been someone who gives 110%,” Viktors explains. This mentality propelled him forward as he committed to working harder than anyone else. “I’m committed to working harder than anyone else, training my best every day, and making sure I perform at the highest level.” In January, he made the move to Poland, focused on breaking into Korona Kielce’s first team and securing his place in the Latvian national squad.
“I’ve always prioritized my commitment – whether it’s maintaining the best diet, getting optimal rest, doing extra individual training, or analyzing my games.” His approach is not just about personal growth; it’s about honouring the support he receives from those around him. “I’m also deeply grateful for the support I’ve received along the way. My relationship with God has been a source of strength, and my family – my mom, dad, girlfriend, and everyone close to me – have stood by me through it all.”
Today, Viktors, who is still only 18 years old, can look to the future with confidence and excitement, prepared to embrace new challenges with the same determination that got him to where he is today. “This journey has been incredible, and I’m excited for what’s ahead,” he concludes, confident that through hard work and dedication, he will achieve his goals.