Harambee Stars bring in Simiti from Gor Mahia to plug Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma hole

FOOTBALL Harambee Stars bring in Simiti from Gor Mahia to plug Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma hole

Mark Kinyanjui 13:30 - 20.03.2024

Ochieng' has been drafted in as a replacement for Marcelo, who is currently nursing a four-week injury.

Gor Mahia assistant captain Geoffrey 'Simiti' Ochieng has received a call-up to the Kenyan national team camp as a replacement for Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma, who is currently sidelined due to injury.

The defender, who plays for Rakow Czestochowa, sustained the injury during their Polish top-flight match against Korona Kielce, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Rakow.

Ouma's distressing moment came in the 54th minute of the game when he was forced off the field on a stretcher, raising concerns about his availability for the crucial tournament.

The news comes as a significant opportunity for Ochieng, offering him the chance to showcase his talent on the international stage.

As Ouma's deputy at Gor Mahia, Ochieng brings a wealth of experience and a strong understanding of the game.

Known for his no-nonsense tough-tackling style, Ochieng will bring something different to Marcelo, with the Poland-based defender being more offensive minded.

The side only has one other recognised full back in Abud Omar, who is also very good at influencing the attack from that position.

Ochieng was given a maiden call up after impressing last November and even though he took part in a couple of sessions with the team, did not make the final squad as the team jetted out to Gabon and then Ivory Coast for their matches against the Panthers and Seychelles.

Ochieng had revealed he learnt alot during his few sessions with the side, adding that there are things about his game he has since learnt to improve about his game.

“I am working on improving those things I learnt because coach Firat told me to work on them. When there is a next call up and if I get the opportunity to be part of the squad again, maybe he will get to see that indeed, there is a change to how I play.”’

Ochieng will be hoping he can impress well enough to earn more caps in future.

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