Collins Sichenje heaps praise on quality of locally based Harambee Stars duo
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 09.09.25. | 12:02
Two of the local-based players who came on in the second half put in solid performances and have received praise from Sichenje
The impact and role of locally based players in the Harambee Stars squad continues to elicit positive reactions across fans and football stakeholders, with FK Vojvodina defender Collins Sichenje also adding his voice.
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When Kenya took on The Gambia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Friday, 5 September at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the starting 11 was largely composed of players plying their trade beyond borders.
Only three locally based players started the match that Kenya heavily lost 1-3, with all goals from The Gambia scored in the first half before Ryan Ogam netted a consolation for Kenya in the 81st minute.
Once again, Kenyan fans trained their guns on international players and called for the use of more locally based players.
Two of the local-based players who came on in the second half put in solid performances and have received praise from Sichenje, who plies his trade in Serbia with top-tier side Vojvodina.
“The most important thing in a game is to stay focused and follow the game. When Manzur (Okwaro) and Alpha (Onyango) came on, they showed bravery, quality, and we were able to be organised as a team,” Sichenje told FKF Media.
Okwaro and Onyango, who play for local sides Nairobi United and Gor Mahia respectively, came on at half-time for the European-based duo of Richard Odada and Timothy Ouma, who looked out of place in the first half.
Kenya posted a much-improved performance in the second half, keeping a clean sheet and scoring a goal with a much more spirited performance, and Sichenje explained the impact of the local duo.
“In the second half, we were more comfortable, and as you could see, the positional play was good.
They (Okwaro and Onyango) brought in some good energy to the team, and you could see changes; the team was fighting to get the goals back, but we sadly lost, which is part of football and learning,” he added.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, in his post-match press conference, defended his fielding, attributing the difference in quality between the qualifiers and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) to his starting 11.
Kenya’s next match will be against Seychelles on Tuesday, 9 September at Kasarani, with McCarthy under pressure to field more locally based players.
