Harambee Stars defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma says he is prepared to draw on his vast experience to help nurture the next generation of national team players as Kenya steps up its preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The experienced left-back, who recently returned to the national team after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, believes senior players have a responsibility to support younger teammates as the squad begins laying the foundation for the continental tournament that Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy recalled Ouma for the upcoming international friendlies against Lesotho after spending close to 10 months out of action with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The injury, sustained during training with his Polish club Raków Częstochowa in August last year, forced him out of both club and national team duties. He said helping young players adapt to the demands of international football has become one of his key responsibilities within the squad.
“My role is to be a good example and use my experience to help the younger players understand what is required at this level. Ten years ago, I was in their position, and I learned a lot from those who came before me,” Ouma said.
He noted that settling into the national team environment can be challenging for newcomers and urged senior players to provide support whenever needed. “It is not always easy for young players to integrate into the team. As senior players, we have a duty to help them settle and make them feel comfortable within the group,” he added.
The former Gor Mahia defender said the upcoming matches against Lesotho will provide an opportunity for the team to assess its progress as preparations continue for AFCON 2027.
According to Ouma, the national team is focused on building a strong and competitive squad capable of challenging some of the continent’s best teams when the tournament kicks off on East African soil. “We are trying to build a team that can compete strongly at AFCON. Every match allows us to learn, improve and measure ourselves against different opponents,” he said.
Ouma also expressed his delight at returning to action after one of the longest injury absences of his career. The defender admitted the rehabilitation process was difficult but said he is now fully focused on helping both club and country achieve their objectives.
“It feels great to be back. Being out for such a long period was something I had never experienced before, but I worked hard during recovery, and I am happy to be available again,” he said.
His return comes at a crucial time for Harambee Stars, who will be without regular captain Michael Olunga and vice-captain Joseph Okumu due to injury. With the two senior players unavailable, Ouma is expected to assume a greater leadership role during the friendlies against Lesotho in Pretoria, South Africa. The matches will give coach McCarthy another opportunity to evaluate his squad as Kenya continues its long-term preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
