Swaleh Pamba clears air on his health after missing CHAN squad

Harambee Stars defender Swaleh Pamba has come out to allay fears that his health condition was in bad shape after he was dropped from the final squad for the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) which kicks off on Saturday.

While naming his final Harambee Stars squad for the tournament, coach Benni McCarthy confirmed he had dropped the 23-year-old owing to health complications.

“Brian Musa pulled his hamstring while in Tanzania, and so when we got back his scan, it wasn’t looking like it was healthy, and we had to take precautionary measures just in case it was a grade two or grade three tear, so we had to replace the player,” McCarthy told Flashscore.

“There was a slight problem with the heart of one of the players, Pamba Swaleh, so I think, for cautious measures, we had to drop the player.”

Speaking on McCarthy’s decision, Pamba has said his health was okay after undergoing further check-ups. “I am fully okay,” the Bandari FC defender told MozzartSports. “I had an appointment with a specialist this morning, and he did not detect anything odd.

“I am yet to get the finer details of the latest test, but as it stands, the previous test took precedence, and that is the reason why I was not cleared and effectively dropped.”

He continued: “What I got this morning showed that there is no danger. I am still an active player, and I intend to continue with my career. It is all God’s plan. I cannot question too much because this was my second time being with the national team, and I looked set to be in the team. Normally, I feel a bit disappointed, but this will not be the end of my journey.”

Kenya will begin their Group A campaign against DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.