CHAN2024: France-based defender Joseph Okumu visits Harambee Stars camp ahead of quarters

Harambee Stars assistant captain Joseph Okumu has returned to Kenya and visited the national team's training camp on Tuesday, 19 August, to pledge his support ahead of their CHAN quarterfinal match against Madagascar at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, 22 August.

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During the visit, Okumu met with the squad as Harambee Stars look to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament. Kenya has performed steadily so far, advancing through the group stages with consistent results following wins over DR Congo, Morocco and Zambia. The other game against Angola ended in a one-all draw.

A win over Madagascar would advance them to the semifinals, positioning them for a potential spot in the final in the team’s maiden appearance at the tournament, featuring players playing in the respective domestic leagues.

Okumu's return coincides with a recent nasty injury he suffered. The 28-year-old central defender, who plays for Reims in France's Ligue 2 after the club's relegation last season, sustained a left knee ligament tear about 10 minutes into their season opener against Amiens on Monday, 11 August, which finished as a 2-2 draw. The injury resulted from a collision.

Reims announced the details on Thursday, 14 August, through their official website, announcing that the player will be out for an unspecified number of months.

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"Initial tests have confirmed a serious ligament injury to the left knee. Further examinations will be conducted over the coming days to determine the exact nature of the injury and to decide on the next steps for his treatment.

Unfortunately, Joseph will be sidelined for several months," read the statement.

This recovery period is anticipated to extend through the rest of 2025, lasting at least six months, whether it involves an anterior or posterior ligament. The injury follows other fitness concerns Okumu has faced in the past year.

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Since transferring to Reims from KAA Gent in July 2023, Okumu has been a regular in their defense despite injury and fitness issues during that period.

He appeared in 22 Ligue 1 matches last season, scored one goal, and received the club's Player of the Month gong in February.

The 28-year-old was expected to contribute to Reims' promotion efforts, but the team will now proceed without him for an extended time.

Internationally, the injury will see Okumu miss Harambee Stars' 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, beginning with the match against The Gambia and Seychelles in September, there by Burundi and Ivory Coast in November.

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