Collins Sichenje reacts to Charlton Athletic fans composing song for him

Charlton Athletic defender Collins Sichenje has paid glowing tribute to Kenyan fans for their unwavering support since his move to England, describing it as a powerful source of motivation as he settles into life in the Championship.

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The Harambee Stars centre-back, who joined The Addicks in the mid-season transfer window, has quickly built a strong connection with supporters both back home and in England.

From social media waves of encouragement to growing chants from the terraces at The Valley, Sichenje has been embraced by fans who have even coined a nickname, "The Kenyan tank", for the towering defender.

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“It feels amazing to have support from Kenyan fans. They’re so passionate, they love what I’m doing, and it’s something that gives me motivation.

It shows how a lot of people believe in you, and I have to keep that in my mind and keep working because I have goals and dreams,” Sichenje said.

The 22-year-old, who previously featured for AIK Fotboll and FK Vojvodina, also acknowledged the backing from Charlton faithful, support he insists he does not take for granted as he continues to grow his game in England.

“Yeah, of course, that's something I don't take for granted because it shows I'm working and heading towards the right way.

So for me, most important is to keep working and training, keep listening to the coaches, the senior players. Everything will fall in the right place because I know and I believe in my quality,” he added.

However, his journey has not been without setbacks. Sichenje recently returned from a frustrating seven-week spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during Charlton’s clash against Wrexham AFC, where he lasted 77 minutes, ultimately being stretchered off in the narrow 1-0 defeat.

His comeback came in Charlton's 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday, where he was introduced in the 67th minute, marking a significant step in his recovery journey.

“For me, it felt amazing to be back on the pitch and try to do what I love most. It was a bit frustrating from the team, we didn't get the three points, but we just have to keep focusing for the remaining games and do our best to help the team to stay in the league.

“Yeah, physically, to be honest, I feel okay because I always try to work hard even when I was injured. I always try to do the right things, follow the right steps. It feels nice to be back, and my confidence is good. I just need to keep going and try as much as possible to help the team,” he continued.

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Attention now shifts to a crucial midweek showdown under the lights at The Valley, where Charlton will host Ipswich Town on Wednesday, 22 April, in a rescheduled league match.

The clash presents a high-stakes narrative at both ends of the table. The former English Premier League campaigners under manager Nathan Jones are currently locked in a tense survival battle, sitting 20th in the 24-team Championship standings, just one place and a single point above the relegation zone.

Their opponents, The Tractor Boys, arrive in contrasting form, sitting third and pushing for automatic promotion back to the Premier League, setting the stage for a fiercely contested encounter with massive implications.

Victory for Charlton would lift them to 53 points, a significant cushion in their fight to avoid the drop to League One, while defeat could deepen their relegation fears.

“Yeah, of course, it's going to be a difficult game, but we are at home, and we just have to give everything because we also need it as much as they need the points.

So for us, we're just going to stick to our qualities, team plan and yeah, at the end we'll give 100%, and the result will speak for itself,” Sichenje stated.