Mang’oli eyeing Stars role despite injury setbacks

Sofapaka FC midfielder Bernard Mang’oli says frequent injuries have denied him valuable playing time requisite in earning a call up to the national team.

Mang’oli who last featured for the Harambee Stars in March for friendlies against Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo says he remains focused in regaining full physical fitness ahead of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

Stars First Coach Stanley Okumbi is expected to name his squad for the regional tournament that is making a comeback after a two-year hiatus and Mang’oli is staying hopeful he will be considered.

“In my mind I remain focused in regaining my Stars spot and it will change nothing even if I’m not called up,” the former AFC Leopards player said.

Mang’oli penned a two-year contract with Sofapaka following the expiry of his one-year deal with Leopards during the mid-season transfer window and he says his true potential is yet to be felt at the club.

“I expected to have better season than it’s turned out since I joined this great family. I expected to score more goals and assists than last season but injuries just haven’t allowed it.

“Right now I’m still nursing my sprained ankle. I was advised by the team doctor not to rush it or else I risk suffering a bigger setback. I will have to wait for one and a half weeks or more before I can get back to full training,” he added.

The Batoto ba Mungu have enjoyed a standout 2017 season, going from the brink of relegation last term to second (by the time of press) on the Kenyan Premier League standings.

“The technical bench at Sofapaka has been an inspiration to the team during the good and the bad times.

“The club president has also been supportive of us. He loves the game and always looks to help in times of need.”