Harambee Stars custodian devastated after injury setback

KCB and Harambee Stars custodian Bryne Odhiambo is a disappointed fellow after picking up an injury at a moment when he was starting to enjoy the best form of his career.

Odhiambo, who picked up positively from last season's exploits, has been enjoying a good start to the new season, which has seen him get the nod between the sticks for the national team, the Harambee Stars.

The custodian has featured for the country in the last five international matches that Kenya has taken part in, playing against Russia, Qatar, Mauritius, South Sudan, and Pakistan.

The KCB first-choice keeper injured his ankle during the latest FIFA international break, in which Kenya took on Russia in a friendly match in Antalya, Turkey.

He is set to be on the sidelines for the next two months and will miss the upcoming World Cup qualifier matches set for next month and league action for Harambee Stars and KCB respectively.

"I honestly feel devastated after injuring my ankle last week. It is a huge setback for me since I was beginning to enjoy the fruits of my hard work," he said

Odhiambo, who has three clean sheets to his name, two off John Njau of Posta Rangers and Bonphas Munyasa of Murang'a Seal, who are tied up on five, says that the latest injury setback will hinder his season's targets, but vows to fight till the end of the campaign.

"I had my personal targets to achieve at the end of the season. I had a vision to go all the way for the golden glove accolade and represent the country in the upcoming qualifier matches,” he said. “Sadly, my journey towards realizing part of my dream of the season has been curtailed by the injury.

“Staying out for two months is a long time in football, but then I am so determined to fight and at least achieve something at the end," he added

With Odhiambo out, coach Benard Mwalala will rely on Gabriel Andika and Brian Olango's services in the goalkeeping department.

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However, Odhiambo notes that he will have to work harder if he is to get back within the sticks when he resumes play.

"Our goalkeeping department is well balanced, and definitely the competition has been way high. I believe in the duo getting the work done in my absence.

“I don't expect to easily walk back to the team, but I will have to fight for my place in the team once I am given a clean bill of health to play once again," he concluded.