David 'Calabar' Odhiambo joins Napsa Stars training camp ahead of Zambia Super League season

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STARS ABROAD David 'Calabar' Odhiambo joins Napsa Stars training camp ahead of Zambia Super League season

Festus Chuma 16:45 - 12.07.2023

Odhiambo's arrival boosts Napsa Stars' preseason preparations as players return in good shape

Kenyan defender David 'Calabar' Odhiambo has arrived at the Napsa Stars FC training camp in Lusaka, Zambia, signaling his determination to bounce back from a challenging season plagued by injuries.

The 35-year-old veteran jetted into the Southern African country in preparation for the upcoming Zambia Super League season, which promises to be a thrilling campaign for football enthusiasts.

Odhiambo's arrival follows speculations about his future at the club after a challenging season plagued by injuries, which limited his appearances in the league matches. 

However, despite the setbacks, the experienced defender is eager to make a fresh start and contribute to the team's success in the forthcoming season.

With 28 players already reporting to the training camp, the preseason preparations are well underway.

 The initial phase includes medical assessments and continuous evaluations to ensure the players' overall fitness and well-being. 

According to team physiotherapist Nimrod Musongwa, all the players have demonstrated excellent physical condition after a four-week break, indicating that they have maintained their fitness levels during the off-season.

"We have already conducted medical assessments for all players, and the results are promising. They appear to have taken good care of themselves during the break, which is a positive sign for us. It means we can focus on fine-tuning specific areas rather than extensive physical conditioning," Musongwa shared.

The players have also shown great adaptability to the change in weather as they acclimatize to the training environment. 

This adaptability bodes well for the team's preparations and instills confidence among the coaching staff, who are impressed by the players' determination and dedication.

The 2023/24 Zambia Super League season is scheduled to commence on August 19, 2023, and Napsa Stars is eager to make their mark.

In the previous season, the team finished fifth in the league standings with 51 points, a respectable achievement, but they are determined to improve upon that performance and compete at the highest level this time around.

Odhiambo's addition to the team in 2021 on a two-year deal has brought valuable experience and leadership to the Napsa Stars squad. 

Prior to joining Napsa, the Kenyan defender showcased his talent at another Zambian club, Zesco United, where he played a significant role in their triumphs, helping the team secure the league titles in 2017, 2018, and 2019. 

His wealth of experience will undoubtedly bolster Napsa's defense and provide valuable guidance to the younger players.