Harambee Stars to miss Mutinda against South Sudan

Harambee Stars technical bench is sweating over the availability of indefatigable defensive midfielder Michael Mutinda ahead of tomorrow's international friendly against South Sudan at Nyayo stadium.

The KCB defensive midfielder picked up a knock to his knee as Harambee Stars stepped preparations in training on Wednesday leaving the technical team with a puzzle to solve.

Although the extent of the injury has not been revealed, head coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee stated he has a chance to explore the possibility of sticking industrious AFC Leopards youngster Collins Shichenje, Sofapaka’s Lawrence Juma or Gor Mahia skipper Kenneth Muguna.

“The medical team has informed me that Mutinda has picked up a knock today so we will wait on the doctors to tell us if he will feature or not. We have a variety of players who can fill in that position like Shichenje, Muguna and Juma. Every player that has been called here has been called on merit,” he said.

A downcast Mutinda expressed optimism of making recovery quick enough to remain with the national team and take part in the qualifiers.

"It happened yesterday when we were having a session. Today, I've only engaged in the warm-up session. When I receive a hard pass, I feel some discomfort on my knee," he said.

"I don't know what will happen but I hope I can shake it off before the game tomorrow," he added. Should he miss the tie, it would be a second time unlucky for Mutinda who missed out featuring for the national side back in 2018 through injury. 

Nzoia Sugar's Kevin Juma, who was handed a late addition to the national team on Wednesday is another option for that holding position. The Nzoia player is however untested as he has never represented the national side at any level and would be hoping to make an impression.

Prior to the tough upcoming African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Egypt and Togo, Stars gauge their preparedness against South Sudan tomorrow at the Nyayo National Stadium before taking on Tanzania in two legs scheduled for March 15 and 18 respectively.

Kenya currently third in Group G on three points with and will need first placed Egypt and second-placed Comoros who are tied in second place to lose their remaining engagements in order to qualify for consecutive Afcon tournaments.

Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper Brian Bwire will also, curiously, miss national team duties with coach Ghost saying he is sidelined with an injury until April while reliable sources indicate he is embroiled in a transfer tussle with his club Kariobangi Sharks.