Bring on Nigeria

By MUTWIRI MUTUOTA

When he last played for Harambee Stars at a World Cup/Nations Cup qualifier on October 12 last year in a 3-2 away loss to Guinea in Conakry, South Africa looked an attainable prospect for the team.

More than 12 months later, Edgar ‘Fighter’ Ochieng’ who was recalled to the side yesterday, two days after his 32nd birthday, following immense public pressure is as perplexed as his compatriots after the team he so bravely served crashed out of the World Cup without much fight.

"Before the final round of qualifiers, we had built a strong team that played with togetherness. Had we maintained the same unit, we would now be playing to qualify for the World Cup, not Nations Cup. I would have given my all to ensure that," Ochieng’ told FeverPitch yesterday.

That was after he had finished training with his club side and defending national league champions, Mathare United as they prepare to face Western Stima away in Bukhungu this weekend.

Out of favour

"I heard rumours I have been recalled to the side and if they are true, I’m ready to play. Last time they said the same thing but I did not play," he added alluding to the nightmare he has endured since coach, Antoine Hey, dispensed with his services at the beginning of the final phase of qualifiers for South Africa and Angola.

He fell out of favour with the German after Mathare and other clubs declined to sign commitment letters demanded by Hey while releasing their players to the national team.

Since then, while some of six other players who were kicked-out of the team besides him have been recalled, ‘Fighter’ has been bizarrely omitted by the German reported to have offered to resign rather than recall him and striker Dennis Oliech.

"If I get a chance again, I will put much effort and work with my teammates to ensure we do well. I have kept myself in good shape all that time and I have much to give to the team," the defender expressed.

"We’ll see whether (the decision to recall Ochieng’) will help. His inclusion and that of Oliech is a good psychological boost to the team since it means we will be at our strongest and put more pressure on the Nigerian coach," his club boss, Francis Kimanzi said.

"I do not oppose his recall since whenever a player is needed by his country, he should not be stopped. What I’m wondering is why players who are innocent have been punished," he added.

Having woken up to a false dawn ahead of Stars away match to Tunisia, Ochieng’ could be forgiven for not celebrating his recall yet. "It’s been a trying time for me since I’ve always been willing to play for the team only to be disappointed."

but we can put that behind and focus to beat Nigeria," he summed.

In matches Ochieng’ started in qualifiers, Stars record read, seven played, three won, one drawn and three lost. Without him, Stars have played four, won one and lost three.

"With him in the team, some of the goals we let in could have been avoided," Kimanzi, echoing sentiments of many Kenyans stated.

 

 

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