Nairobi United head coach Nicholas Muyoti has provided clarity on why new signing Manzur Okwaro is yet to make his debut for the club. The talented midfielder, who joined from KCB in a late transfer window move, has been sidelined due to a persistent knee injury that has delayed his full integration into the team.
Okwaro’s acquisition was seen as a major boost for Nairobi United, especially as the club prepared for its debut campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup. However, his prolonged absence from matchday squads has sparked concern among fans eager to see him in action.
According to coach Muyoti, the 19-year-old utility man sustained the knee injury during the off-season. Despite the ongoing rehabilitation process, his regular call-ups to the national team, Harambee Stars, appear to have complicated his recovery. The midfielder was involved in Kenya’s recent World Cup and CHAN qualifiers, where he played through discomfort, leading to a recurrence of the injury.
“Manzur is currently under medication. He has a knee problem that we are closely monitoring,” explained Muyoti. “He has been participating in national team matches, which unfortunately aggravated the issue. Right now, our focus is on ensuring he gets back to full fitness before returning to competitive action.”
The coach emphasized that Okwaro’s condition is improving steadily under the supervision of the club’s medical staff. The team has adopted a cautious approach, prioritizing his long-term health over short-term gains. Muyoti confirmed that the youngster is undergoing a tailored rehabilitation program designed to strengthen his knee and restore his match readiness.
As part of the recovery plan, Okwaro has withdrawn from the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming friendly fixtures against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal. This decision was made jointly by the player, the club, and national team staff to avoid further setbacks.
Despite the setback, optimism remains high at Nairobi United. The technical bench believes Okwaro will soon return stronger and ready to contribute to both domestic and continental campaigns. Fans can take comfort in knowing that the club is handling his recovery with utmost care, ensuring he returns to the pitch only when fully fit.
