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Harambee Stars defender Joseph Okumu returns to full training after 6-month injury layoff
08th March, 2026 09:48 AM
Harambee Stars assistant captain Joseph Okumu has taken a major step toward full recovery after resuming full team training with French side Stade de Reims following a lengthy injury spell.
Lengthy layoff
The Kenyan centre-back has been sidelined for the past six months after suffering a serious knee ligament injury that kept him out during the early stages of the ongoing Ligue 2 campaign.
Okumu, who previously featured for Swedish outfit IF Elfsborg, sustained the injury to his left knee during Reims’ opening league fixture of the 2025/26 season against Amiens SC.
The injury forced the 27-year-old defender into a prolonged rehabilitation period, ruling him out of competitive action as Reims began its quest to secure an immediate return to the French top tier.
His return to full training now offers a timely boost for the club as they intensify their push for promotion back to Ligue 1.
Reims are currently enjoying a strong campaign in the second tier and sit third in the 18-team league standings with 42 points. They trail league leaders ES Troyes AC by six points as the promotion race gathers momentum.
Bouncing back
The club is determined to bounce back to the top flight after suffering relegation last season, having finished 16th in the Ligue 1 standings at the end of the previous campaign.
Okumu’s return could therefore prove crucial for Reims as they seek defensive stability during the decisive phase of the season. For Harambee Stars as well, the defender’s recovery is a positive development ahead of upcoming international assignments, given his key role at the heart of Kenya’s defence.
Meanwhile, Kenyan and Kenya-eligible footballers had a mixed outing across Europe, with some making key contributions for their clubs despite a few disappointing team results in their respective leagues on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Eligible Harambee Stars defender Zak Vyner featured for the Championship side Wrexham FC against Chelsea in an FA Cup tie with a quarter-final ticket up for grabs on Saturday, March 7, 2026. However, Vyner and his team suffered a 4-2 beating at the hands of the Blues at the Racecourse Ground, with vital lessons picked up. Others were Job Ochieng, Zak Vyner, Linton Mmaina and Zech Obiero who turned out for their respective clubs on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
