- Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti revealed Manzur Okwaro’s recovery has been curtailed by the national team.
- The player has not featured for his club since signing for them in August.
- A source from Nairobi United confirmed the player joined the club with an injury that needed a six-month rest.
Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti has expressed concern over the condition of young defender Manzur Okwaro, revealing that the player has been turning out for the national football team despite nursing a knee injury.
Speaking at Dandora Stadium after the club’s 4-2 win against Kariobangi Sharks in the SportPesa League, Muyoti disclosed that Okwaro has been undergoing treatment under the supervision of the Nairobi United medical staff since joining the club.
However, the youngster has continued to receive national team call-ups, a decision the coach believes has slowed his recovery.
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“Manzur is currently under medication. He has a knee injury which is being taken care of by our doctor. He’s been getting call-ups to the national team and the coach has been using him which is a big risk.
When he joined us, he was under rehabilitation and making good progress under our medical team,” Muyoti revealed.
The former Nairobi City Stars tactician further revealed that Okwaro aggravated the same injury during his last appearance for Harambee Stars, forcing the club to step up his treatment program.
Manzur Okwaro’s recovery takes hit
“The last time he got a call-up, he played again, and that made the injury recur. But we’ve been taking care of him through medication and monitoring his recovery closely,” added Muyoti.
Despite being initially included in the provisional Harambee Stars squad to face Equatorial Guinea and Senegal in the upcoming November FIFA international break, Okwaro has since been dropped from the final list in a move that Muyoti welcomes.
“He hasn’t made it to the final squad and I think it’s because of the injury. Honestly, I’m happy he’s not made it this time. He needs to rest, get proper medication and heal completely. Once he’s fully recovered, we will assess him and see if he can start playing for us,” he said.
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A source within Nairobi United also confirmed that Okwaro joined the club from KCB during the off-season transfer window with a pre-existing injury sustained during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 tournament.
The medical team reportedly advised a six-month recovery period before he could resume full training.
“Manzur Okwaro joined us while injured and that’s why he hasn’t featured yet. The doctor advised us to give him at least six months to recover fully and return to 100% fitness,” the source disclosed.
Okwaro’s injury situation now remains under close observation as Nairobi United continue to prioritize his long-term health and recovery before his anticipated debut for the club.
