Harambee Stars Defender Faces Uncertain Future at Polish Club Ahead of Return From Injury Layoff

Harambee Stars defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma has shared uncertainty about his future as he nears his return to Raków Częstochowa in Poland for the first time in nine months.

The 29-year-old left-back suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during a training session with Polish champions Raków on 28 August 2025, a setback that has ruled him out for the 2025/2026 season for both club and country.

Eric Ouma had been undergoing rehabilitation sessions in Nairobi before rejoining his club for further assessments ahead of a potential return-to-play clearance from Raków’s medical team.

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Eric Ouma explained that he remains open to continuing his career in Poland next season, noting that his future will ultimately depend on the club’s decision and how circumstances develop around him.

The Harambee Stars defender explained that while there is a strong likelihood of staying, he would respect any decision made by the team, including a possible departure, as he focuses on rebuilding after a difficult injury period.

He added that his current situation has forced him to restart his career journey, making it impossible to predict what comes next, and emphasised the importance of staying prepared for any outcome while gradually regaining full fitness.

Eric Ouma noted that he is taking time to better understand his body, adapt to new physical demands, and adjust to different aspects of the modern game as he works his way back.

He also reflected on the broader lessons he has learned during his recovery, stating that the experience has given him perspective beyond football and helped him appreciate life and interactions outside the sport while he continues to focus on his rehabilitation and return.

“I will still be in Poland next season, with a 90-100% chance, but that will depend on the club and what comes. If the club decides that I should leave, I will do it, and if they want me to stay, that’s okay too,” Eric Ouma said.

“The future is now unpredictable because I have been injured, and I’m going to start from zero. If something comes up, well and good; if not, I will continue working hard. You can’t predict the future if you do not have anything at the moment. I think you need to be prepared for anything because, like me, I’m beginning from zero.

“I have to take my time, understand my body and the moment, and adapt to the new ways of playing. I’ve learnt a lot of lessons, I’ve learnt that there is life outside football and interact with people outside of football.”

Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma said he is scheduled to undergo return-to-play assessments this week, after which his progress will be closely evaluated with the hope of gradually rejoining team training.

He explained that although there are still a few matches left in the current season, he has already been sidelined for several months and cannot be rushed straight back into competitive action due to the medical and fitness protocols that must be followed.

He added that his priority is to carefully monitor how his body responds during the recovery process and ensure he is fully ready before making any competitive return.

“This week, I am supposed to do the RTP (return to play tests). Everything will be assessed, and hopefully, I can start to train with the team, and for sure, I am looking forward to the next season. For this season, there are like eight games remaining, and I have been out for more than seven months,” he added.

“You know I cannot just come back and start to play immediately since there are protocols that need to be followed. This means I have to understand what my body wants. The focus for me is for the next season."

The former Gor Mahia player has featured 47 times for Raków Częstochowa since his move from Swedish side AIK in 2024. During that period, he has registered one goal and six assists for the Polish club.