Collins Sichenje ready to play for Charlton after injury setback

Kenya national defender Collins Sichenje has revealed how he was left frustrated after suffering an injury that kept him out o Charlton Athletic matches in the EFL Championship.

The Kenyan international returned from a hamstring injury on Saturday and is now relishing the run-in.

 

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Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s league fixture when the Addicks host second-placed Ipswich Town, Sichenje used the opportunity to explain his injury setback and life in London.

‘My confidence is good’

“It’s going to be a difficult game, but we’re strong and we have to give everything,” he explained. “We need the points. – we need to stick to our game plan and give 100%,” said Sichenje as quoted by Charlton website.

“For me, it felt amazing to be back on the pitch and I tried to do what I love most. It was a bit frustrating for the team that we didn’t get the three points, but we just have to keep focused on the remaining games and do our best for the team to stay in the league.

“Physically, I feel okay. I always try to work hard even when I’m injured, I always try to do the right things and follow the right steps, and it feels nice to be back.

“My confidence is good; we just need to try and keep going as much as possible to help the team.”

‘I believe in my qualities’

The centre-back has settled into life at Sparrows Lane well since arrival from Serbian SuperLiga side FK Vojvodina in February.

“To be honest, the club is a nice place to be. Everyone here has been willing to help me, and it hasn’t taken me a lot of time [to settle]. It has been a smooth time for adapting,” he added.

“I love The Valley – the atmosphere is nice and it gives you more energy. That’s something that I always look for in the home games. For us to play with that energy, it makes us happy.

“I don’t take the support [from Charlton fans] for granted. The most important thing for me is to keep working in training, keep listening to the senior players and everything will fall into place. I believe in my qualities.”

Born in Butere, Kenya, Sichenje began his football journey with local club Green Commandos before moving to Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards in September 2019.

His performances in Kenya quickly attracted attention and opened the door for opportunities abroad. The defender later had a brief spell in Greece with PAOK B before returning to AFC Leopards to continue his development.