Collins Sichenje: Charlton manager rates Kenya defender

Charlton Athletic head coach Nathan Jones has delivered scorecard of Kenya defender Collins Sichenje since he signed for the EFL Championship club.

The Addicks announced the signing of the Harambee Stars player from Serbian SuperLiga side FK Vojvodina for an undisclosed fee on February 2. The 22-year-old defender put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the club.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Charlton Athletic (@cafcofficial)

Discussing their 1-1 draw against Wrexham, Jones admitted to being impressed by the Kenyan defender so far.

‘I am really happy with Sichenje’

“Yeah absolutely. We did that (signing) because one, we needed cover as we were really depleted in defensive areas, but two, when the opportunity came, it would not have done us any harm having him for an extra six months, so I am really happy,” said Jones.

“There is a lot he can learn; he is getting better, but you can see the attributes of why we bought him.”

Jones added: “He will only get better with a little more control; a bit more composure and confidence, and strength and fitness. He is effectively in his pre-season, so we are looking forward to that.”

Sichenje has represented Kenya eight times

Born in Butere, Kenya, Sichenje started his career with Green Commandos before moving to Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards in September 2019.

Following a brief spell in Greece with PAOK B, the centre-back returned to AFC Leopards before joining Swedish top-flight side AIK in 2022.

After spending the 2023-24 campaign on loan with Finnish outfit KuPS Kuopio, he joined FK Vojvodina on an initial six-month loan, with the move made permanent in September 2024 following an impressive start to life in Serbia.

Sichenje has represented Kenya eight times to date, having made his debut in a 1-0 win over South Sudan in March 2021.