Kenyan football fans have been left disappointed after Harambee Stars defender Erick “Marcelo” Ouma was ruled out for at least six months with a serious Achilles tendon injury.

The setback happened during training for his Polish club, Rakow Czestochowa, meaning he will miss their Europa Conference League campaign—a dream many Kenyans had for him.

Despite the seriousness of the injury, Ouma remains hopeful, telling Ghetto Radio’s Maji Maji that “that’s the life of a footballer” and that he plans to get top-tier rehabilitation in Italy.

The injury also means he won’t be able to join the national team for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, leaving a significant gap in their defense.

The injury, which occurred during a training session, marks a significant setback for Ouma’s career. 

A torn Achilles tendon is one of the most severe injuries in football, requiring extensive recovery time. 

After undergoing successful surgery in Poland, Ouma confirmed that he will be sidelined until at least February or March 2026. 

This prolonged absence means he will miss out on Rakow’s Europa Conference League campaign, a competition that Kenyan fans were eagerly anticipating following his multi-million transfer in January 2024. 

The injury also makes him unavailable for the Harambee Stars’ upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles, leaving a crucial gap in the national team’s defense.

Despite the setback, Ouma remains optimistic and focused on his recovery. 

In his conversation with Maji Maji, he explained his decision to remain in Europe for rehabilitation rather than returning to Kenya. 

He plans to undergo his rehabilitation in Italy, seeking top-tier medical care to ensure a full and strong return to the pitch. 

Ouma’s positive outlook, reflecting his past experience with a 2020 injury in Sweden, showcases his determination to overcome this challenge. 

He said, “I will do everything to come back stronger than ever,” a statement that has resonated with fans and teammates.

Ouma’s absence will be deeply felt by both his club and the national team. 

For Rakow Czestochowa, who secured their spot in the Conference League, they will miss the dynamic left-back’s contributions, which included 18 appearances, one goal, and three assists in the current season. 

For the Harambee Stars, Ouma’s unavailability is a blow as they navigate a challenging year. 

While Coach Benni McCarthy has already named the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers without him, his versatility and work rate will be missed. 

His journey from Gor Mahia to European football has been a source of national pride, and his recovery will be closely watched by fans who hope to see him back in action, possibly in time for the co-hosted AFCON 2027.

The news of Ouma’s torn Achilles tendon was a shock to Kenyan football fans who were excited to see one of their own on the European stage. 

Speaking to Maji Maji of Ghetto Radio, Ouma described the ordeal, joking that since he was in Poland and not Kenya, the surgery went well. 

The lighthearted remark was a way of coping with the seriousness of the situation. 

Maji Maji, who was audibly sympathetic, expressed how he had been following Ouma’s strong start to the season with high spirits and how excited Kenyans were to see him play in the Confrence League.

Ouma confirmed that he will be out for at least six to seven months, meaning he will miss his team’s Conference League campaign unless they make a deep run to the semi-finals or final. 

He remained philosophical about the setback, stating, “There is a next time, and that’s the life of a footballer.” 

Maji Maji explained that he loved the sport but was too small for his secondary school’s senior team and eventually switched to basketball. 

Unlike the Kenyan context, where a player might be rushed back to the field after being discharged from a hospital like Kijabe, Ouma’s European club would not take that risk. 

As a final note, Ouma confirmed he will not be able to watch the Harambee Stars’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers in person, but assured Maji Maji that he remains a loyal listener of Ghetto Radio.