Kenya’s Oboya returns for Malawi encounter - World Cup 2014

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Kenya’s Oboya returns for Malawi encounter

05-27-2012

Kenya’s Oboya returns for Malawi encounter

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Kenya midfielder Patrick Oboya has vowed to repay back head coach Francis Kimanzi with a winning performance when Harambe Stars plays Malawi’s Flames in the 2014 World Cup qualifying match scheduled for Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, on June 2.

The Slovakia-based midfielder makes a comeback to the Kenya squad after a four year absence with injury and lack of top class football. Speaking to Cafonline.com, Oboya said this was the perfect chance for him to repay Kimanzi for “keeping faith and belief in me.”

Cafonline.com: Your last game for Kenya was four years ago when you scored the winning goal against Angola in Nairobi. How does it feel to be back in the team?

Oboya: It is really amazing yes four years is a long period. I must admit that am very delighted to be back after a long lay-off and am confident I will add something positive to the side. This is a great honour for me and the pressure is on to repay back the coach for the call-up. It will not be easy coming back but I am determined to work extra hard for it. Right now I feel like a new player who has just earned his first call-up.

Cafonline.com: What kind of game are you expecting from Malawi?

Oboya: I have watched them several times and they play more like the Africa champions Zambia. Malawi has a galaxy of professional players and it will be vital for us to play as a team in order to contain them. I know it won’t be an easy task because they also want to qualify for the next stage of the World Cup qualifiers. I strongly believe that our current squad has a lot of potential and determination to do well.

Cafonline.com: Kenya will be missing captain Dennis Oliech, who quit international football and striker Allan Wanga, out injured. How much do you think it will affect the team’s performance?

Oboya: It will be a big blow to the team if Oliech does not turn up for the match. He (Oliech) is an important player who motivates the team. His absence coupled with that of Wanga will be greatly felt because they have always scored goals for this team. I however believe that the coach has worthy replacements for the duo.

Cafonline.com: How are you getting on at your new club MFK Ruzomberok and do you believe your experience will add to Kenya’s quest for qualification?

Oboya: I feel great and l am in good shape and fitness. My new club gives me opportunity to play top flight football that was lacking for a while. This is a great boost for the national team because I feel like I have regained my form. It will be very important for me to be involved against Malawi because four years without donning the national shirt has been a long time for me. For now we want to focus our attention on the Malawi and then mount a steady campaign throughout the qualifying matches in this 2014 World Cup group.

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