Boost for City Stars as defender nears return

Nairobi City Stars center-back Wycliffe Otieno has stepped up his route to returning from an ankle injury that has seen him sidelined since August 2021.

Otieno dislocated his ankle during their 2-0 league match loss at the hands of Mathare United at the Ruaraka grounds in August in their third-last match and only resumed light training in December last year.

The former Kariobangi Sharks defender was delighted at being able to train with the team again after a lengthy spell out following the career-threatening injury.

“For the first time in five months, I finally got to wear my soccer boots this week and even attended full training. It’s been a long and patient journey to get here and I am glad that I can put on my boots once again and train with the team," Otieno told the club's portal

The injury was initially to see the experienced defender sidelined for a more lengthy period, but the team physio Brian Odongo says he will be fit enough to play at the competitive level sooner than expected.

“He has fully healed and back to full training. In a matter of weeks, he will be ready for games once he attains the much-needed match fitness,” Odongo said.

In the absence of Otieno, Salim Abdalla, Edwin Buliba, Kenedy Onyango, and Lennox Ogutu have been interchangeably contesting the centre half positions in the last 17 games that the team has played this season.

He will have to contest for a starting berth alongside the four defenders as well as new signing Augustine Kuta who is also making a return to Premier League action after an injury layoff.