Mathare United keeper Emmanuel Otieno has been ruled out of Sunday’s league match against Sony Sugar after suffering a head injury in training.
Otieno, who joined the club in June from Nairobi City Stars, has shown steady progress in training but has failed to break into the match day squad with head coach Francis Kimanzi preferring Job Ochieng’ and David Okello ahead of him.
During Wednesday’s morning session, he crashed his head on the post while attempting to save a dipping shot from Daniel Mwaura. Team physiotherapist Wycliffe Omom has confirmed that he will not be available for selection against the Millers.
“He has a deep cut on his head which had to be stitched. He will be out for at least one week. He had mild symptoms of concussions so we have to monitor him carefully,” advised Omom who holds a similar role at the national team.
Otieno will now join long term absentee Abubakar Keya (knee) on the sidelines. His absence means Kimanzi will only have two goalkeepers, Okello and Ochieng’, for selection against the Millers.
Meanwhile the side was handed a boost ahead of Sunday’s encounter against Sony Sugar following the return of Andrew Juma to training.
Juma, an academy graduate, has been out for two months after suffering a hairline fracture on his left leg in training in May.
Andrew Juma dribbles the ball during a light rehabilitation session at the Goan Institute Grounds.
Having received a clean bill of health from team physiotherapist Wycliffe Omom, the lanky center half resumed normal training with his teammates on Monday.
“It has been a difficult time for me because I was almost breaking into the first team then the injury slowed me down. It feels good to be back and I am working into getting into the math day squad in the next three matches,” said Juma
Abubakar Keya (left), Andrew Juma (center) and Mike Simiyu (right) jog during a light rehabilitation session at the Goan Institute Grounds.
Roma, as he is fondly referred to, alongside long term absentee Abubakar Keya are the only players who are yet to make an appearance this season. He is however keen on pushing for a starting place in a crowded department that has James Situma, George Owino, Johnstone Omurwa and Lennox Ogutu.
“There is stiff competition in my position because we have experienced players like Wise (George Owino) and Situma. I am learning from them and hopefully I will be play at least five matches before the end of the season,” he added.
Juma will draw inspiration from his former Under 20 teammate Ahmed Ahmad who recovered from a knee injury and has since scored two goals this season.
tickets for Mathare United home match against Sony Sugar will be sold at KES 100.
Mathare will host the Millers at MISC, Kasarani on Sunday 29th and that will be their first match this season at the newly renovated international Stadium.
Beside hosting various international matches, Kasarani will be hosting the second league match after the 83rd Mashemeji Derby.
Mathare who are yet to taste victory in seven matches will be facing Sony who beat Sofapaka 2-0 at Awendo Stadium on July 15th.
The Slum Boys last won their match against Zoo at Camp Toyoyo and lost against Wazito and Posta Rangers.
1-1 draws against Ulinzi Stars, Thika United and Vihiga United marks Francis Kimanzi boy’s results in the recent outings.
Sony has twenty-four points so far from twenty-three matches. They have five wins in the current season.