The 2021/22 FKF Premier League season is over for Nairobi City Stars attacking midfielder Oliver Maloba.
The flyer, at this best in the last few games, suffered rib fractures in the game against Kenya Police in Ruaraka on Labour Day after a collision with keeper Reuben Juma.
The collision occurred in the 75th minute as Maloba went for a goal. He lay on the ground for a few minutes before being taken to the ambulance for the remainder of the game to be stabilized.
“Following tests, Maloba suffered multiple fractures on two of his ribs and requires up to six weeks of total rest to heal. He is on medication and close observation,” said team physio Brain Otieno Odongo
Head coach Nicholas Muyoti has spoken about the abrupt absence of one of his main architects Maloba.
“Maloba had been a force, especially in our most recent games. It’s unfortunate his season has ended early due to injury. We will certainly miss him,”
“We have to move on though and his absence becomes a good challenge to the players available; they need to step up to take his place.” said Muyoti
On his part, a distraught Maloba said; “It is sad that the season is over. But what to do. Let me concentrate on healing.”
Maloba had featured in 23 of 28 games to clock 1,183 minutes and scored two game-winning goals in identical 1-0 wins over champions Tusker and Ulinzi Stars.