After sitting out two league games due to suspension, lead Nairobi City Stars striker Kelvin Etemesi is keen to pick up from where he left off.
Etemesi was suspended at the onset of November 2023 after being carded in an away game against Muranga SEALS thereby missing games against AFC Leopards and Tusker.
“I have been out for two games that made me miss two important assignments,”
“I am now a changed man, but with the same goals. I aim to be back on the pitch, and to be back on the score sheet.” added Etemesi
Thus far, Etemesi, Simba wa Nairobi’s top scorer last season with 12 goals, currently leads the score charts with three goals and is tied with midfielder Vincent Owino.
He scored against Nzoia Sugar, Sofapaka, and KCB. He has three assists in games against Bidco, Sofapaka – where he was named man of the match and a place in the team of the week, and Shabana.
Kelvin Etemesi against Muhoroni Youth on Sun 26 Aug 2023Kelvin Etemesi against Shabana in Homa Bay Stadium on Sun 22 Oct 2023Kelvin Etemesi against Muranga SEAL on Wed 1 Nov 2023 in Muranga
Newton suffered the injury in the closing stages of the first half in Homa Bay Stadium and had to exit the pitch. That setback has kept him out of the Simba wa Nairobi squad for four league matches. He is now focused on a bounceback.
“My season so far hasn’t been good and hasn’t been bad either. Due to the injury I got, I feel I have been off the team as it has left me inactive,” he said
“But more is to come because I am recovering well. I have started training with the team which I’d say is a good start,”
“I am happy now and ready to join my teammates to help each other in gaining vital points in the upcoming league games,” added Toni
According to team physio Brain Otieno Odongo, Newton is ready to return to the pitch when given the nod.
“From my side, he is now fully fit. He’s back to full training and I have since handed him back to the technical bench for consideration of fielding him in the games to come.” added Brian
Till the injury setback in Homa Bay, Newton had featured in the starting six games of the season.
Newton Ochieng in action against Posta Rangers keeper Kelvin Omondi during an FKF matchday 23 tie at Police Sacco Stadium on Sun 9 April 2023. Posta won it 3-2Newton Ochieng celebrates his maiden premier league goal – and third for City Stars – in a 3-0 win over Mathare United on Wed 29 March 2023Newton Ochieng up against Ulinzi’s Bernard Ongoma in KAsarani Annex during an FKF matchday 17 tie on 26 Feb 2023. Ulinzi won 2-0
Goalkeeper Julius Ombacho is still training his sights on his Kenyan Premier League debut.
Ombacho, signed in the offseason from third-tier side Launda Villa, admits to there being challenges after switching levels but is keen on putting the right shift to earn league games.
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Joining from Luanda Villa
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Home team Tusker FC carried the day in Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Saturday 11 November 2023, after seeing off Nairobi City Stars 3-1 in a matchday eleven 2023/24 FKF Premier League match.
Dennis Oalo’s 62nd-minute header for Simba wa Nairobi in the second half, and a great fightback could not turn around the 3-0 halftime advantage Tusker had acquired with goals from Michael Oduor, David Odoyo, and Joseph Mwangi in the 2nd, 19t and 43rd minutes.
Following the loss, City Stars dropped to 13th spot on the log with 12 points as Tusker rose to tenth with 14 points.
City Stars shift focus to the next game against Kariobangi Sharks in matchday 12 on Saturday 25 November 2023 in Kasarani Annex starting at 3 p.m.
Tusker FC: 1. Brian Bwire, 23. Collins Odhiambo, 19. Jimmy Mbugua, 25. Boniface Onyango, 4. Mike Kibwage-captain, 28. Chris Erambo, 12. John Byamukama (15. James Kibande-67), 6. David Odoyo 14. Shapahan Siwa-67), 9. Eric Kapaito (13. Deoratious Ojok-78), 21. Joseph Mwangi, 2. Michael Oduor (26. John Njuguna-67)
Unused subs: Brian Opondo, 24. Daniel Sakari, 5. Levin Joseph, 16. Fabian Akidiny, Stewart Omondi,
Coach: Robert Matano
Nairobi City Stars: 13. Elvis Ochoro, 30. Rowland Makati (12. Edwin Buliba-46) , 4. Timothy Muganda-captain, 15. Wycliffe Omondi, 26. Dennis Wanjala, 18. Clifford Ouma, 25. Brian Mzee (10. Dennis Oalo-46), 19. Vincent Owino, 22. Samuel Kapen (27. Gilbert Abala-66), 11. Andrew Kisilu (46. Mohammed Bajaber-46), 3. Robinson Asenwa (17. Brian Mose-85)
The 20-man squad that saw off AFC Leopards 3-2 in the last league encounter last weekend has been maintained ahead of matchday eleven in the 2023/24 FKF Premier League against Tusker FC on Saturday 11 November 2023 in Machakos starting at 3 p.m.
Clifford Ouma, who made his Kenyan Premier League debut in that game, Ronney Kola, Calvin Masawa, and Elvis Noor who clocked the full game, are still part of the squad.
Samuel Kapen who scored his maiden top-flight goal, as well as Edwin Buliba and Rowland Makati who were unused subs, complete the list.
