Okumbi swaps Asike with Tusker mate Shivachi

Harambee Stars first coach Stanley Okumbi has swapped Tusker FC defender, Eugine Wasike with his teammate Collins Shivachi in the squad preparing for two international friendlies next week.

The former Sofapaka players have formed the first-choice centre-half pairing in Paul Nkata’s team this season, Shivachi making nine appearances and scoring twice, while Asike has netted once in 10 games to lead the Brewers to the top of the Kenyan Premier League.

According to a statement released by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Thursday Asike has been dropped after Okumbi and his assistant raised concerns over his shape.

“It is true, we have replaced Shivachi with Asike. We are concerned with his fitness level and have thus decided to replace him as a precautionary measure,” affirmed Okumbi.

The national team will be taking on Sudan and Tanzania in international friendly matches on Friday 27 and Sunday 29 May respectively before taking on Congo Brazzaville in the AFCON qualifier on Sunday 5 June.