Collins Sichenje on How He Contained English Championship’s Most Dangerous Winger During Charlton Debut

Harambee Stars defender Collins Sichenje has opened up about his debut for English Championship side Charlton Athletic.

Sichenje finally made his highly-awaited debut when he started their game away to Southampton on Saturday and it was a solid performance that saw fans overwhelmingly vote him man of the match.

The defender was deployed as a right-wingback as coach Nathan Jones played with a three-man defence and he performed admirably as Charlton came from a goal down after Rose Stewart had scored for Southampton in the 48th minute before Sonny Carey equalised for the Addicks in the 67th minute.

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“It feels amazing to be on the pitch and help the team get a very big point for us so it is a step to keep working and focus on Tuesday’s game,” Sichenje said after the match. “The game was intense, it was nice, I always believe in my qualities and it was a good opportunity to show and do the right things…the basics.”

Playing at right-wingback put Sichenje in a collision cause with Southampton’s Léo Scienza, one of the league’s most dangerous wingers. Scienza has been impressive for Southampton this season, scoring five goals and adding seven assists, but Sichenje kept him quiet.

“I always believe in my qualities. I know I can defend anyone so I wasn’t afraid,” Sichenje said of facing Scienza. “I was like if he comes, I go because I believe in myself. It was also a good opportunity for me to show my qualities in defending and happily I did well.”

Sichenje may have just played one match but he is already turning into a fan-favourite with Charlton supporters already composing a song for him.

“I liked the song I hope they will sing more of this and I will give them joy to help the team so this is just the start,” he said before also paying a glowing tribute to Kenyans who have supported him since he joined the club.

“It means a lot because they [Kenyans] believe in me so I must do everything to achieve my success. I am hungry every day, this is what I am thinking. It is step by step.”

Sichenje, who had been an unused substitute in matches against Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City and Portsmouth, will now hope to play his second game when Charlton take on West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.