Mutinda dejected after Harambee Stars snub

Despite enjoying an impeccable season with KCB, midfield maestro Michael Mutinda was left dejected after being omitted from the Harambee Stars squad for the final round of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Mutinda suffered a knee injury while training with Harambee Stars before the South Sudan clash a fortnight ago which hampered his chances of making the cut in the final squad.

The lanky midfielder was handed a starting berth in the clash against Tanzania but lasted only 30 minutes as he was forced off due to his niggly injury.

The former Thika United midfielder however made a return for KCB over the weekend and played every single minute of the 1-1 draw against Zoo.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Mutinda revealed that the National Team snub left him frustrated but he has since recovered from the disappointment. 

“It was a huge disappointment missing from the squad but maybe if I forced my injury I would have had a long term injury, that is God’s plan sometimes we do not understand the reason why things happen that way, at some point, I was frustrated but I recovered,” he said,

“I really learned a lot, though I feel that my injury pulled me down that is why maybe I’m not in the squad but I believe that was not the right time, that was my introduction, I've taken it as a positive and I will come back strong,” he added.

With the absence of Victor Wanyama, Mutinda would have been in contention for the defensive midfielder position alongside Anthony Akumu, Duncan Otieno with Kenneth Muguna and Lawrence Juma also capable of slotting in the role.

Mutinda also provided an injury update on his knee noting that he is finally free from the pain that led him to be substituted in the 2-1 win over Tanzania.

“I have to take precautions and strap it though I now do not struggle as I was with the National Team a few days ago.”

“I clocked 90 minutes against Zoo and did not experience any pain or any struggles with my injury so now I can say that I’m back,” he added.

Mutinda will return to action on Wednesday 31st March when KCB takes on struggling Mathare United.