Harambee Stars Defender Breaks Silence After Injury Comeback as Charlton Face Must-Win Clash

Charlton Athletic's Collins Sichenje has broken his silence since making his comeback to the pitch after an injury that sidelined him for about seven weeks.

The Harambee Stars defender is bracing for a difficult encounter as Charlton Athletic prepare to host second-placed Ipswich Town in a crucial Sky Bet Championship match on Wednesday night.

The Kenyan international emphasised the importance of the upcoming fixture and the remainder of the season.

"It's going to be a difficult game, but we're strong, and we have to give everything," Sichenje stated during an interview with the club’s media. "We need the points. We need to stick to our game plan and give 100%."

Collins Sichenje was available for selection in Saturday's match and expressed his relief to be back in action, despite the team's frustration at not securing a win.

"For me, it felt amazing to be back on the pitch, and I tried to do what I love most," he said. "We just have to keep focused on the remaining games and do our best for the team to stay in the league."

The defender confirmed he is feeling physically ready for the challenge ahead. "Physically, I feel okay. I always try to work hard even when I'm injured," he explained. "My confidence is good; we just need to try and keep going as much as possible to help the team."

Since he arrived from Serbian club FK Vojvodina in February, Sichenje has adapted quickly to life at Charlton. "To be honest, the club is a nice place to be. Everyone here has been willing to help me, and it hasn’t taken me a lot of time to settle," he noted. "It has been a smooth time for adapting."

The centre-back also praised the atmosphere at The Valley, crediting the home supporters for their energising presence. "I love The Valley, the atmosphere is nice, and it gives you more energy. That's something that I always look for in the home games."

Collins Sichenje's move to Charlton Athletic has sparked a wave of support from his home country, a fact he deeply appreciates.

"It feels amazing to have support from Kenyan fans," he said. "They're so passionate, they love what I'm doing, and it's something that gives me motivation. It shows how a lot of people believe in you."

Collins Sichenje also shared his enthusiasm for his new city, revealing he has already been exploring London's landmarks.

"I took one of the tour buses that moves around London with the headphones on. It was amazing!" he shared. "I went to the museum where they have the jewels next to London Bridge [the Tower of London], and it was amazing."