With slightly over a month to the next round of the 2016 World Cup Qualifiers, Harambee Stars custodian Bryne Omondi is aware of the uphill task he faces in his quest to re-establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper.Omondi, had risen to the point of being the preferred starter last year but, was unfortunate to suffer a fracture in Stars’ 2-2 draw against Russia in a friendly match played in October in Turkey.The injury, that necessitated surgery, saw him miss the subsequent national and club assignments for close to six months.##NAJAVA_MECA_8084680##Omondi, marked his return to the national team in March during the Four Nations tournament held in Malawi although he, didn’t feature as coach Engin Firat preferred the experienced Patrick Matasi in between the sticks.At club level, Omondi returned slightly over three weeks, starting in Bandari’s last three league matches against AFC Leopards, KCB and Bidco United.Omondi longing for full recovery, Bandari debut and national team returnWith Matasi on top of his game and given the time remaining between now and the next Stars game, Omondi understands that he has to step up if he is to get minutes in the two crucial qualifiers.The former Mathare United glove man terms the remaining six league matches as cup finals as he seeks to use them and keep clean sheets and find his best form and shape.Kenya will face CECAFA neighbours Burundi in round three of the qualifiers before taking on African champions Ivory Coast in the same international window.“It feels good to be getting a run of matches at club level after a long time out. I am trying my best to regain the form I was in before the injury. I am giving my best in training as the qualifiers are around the corner and there is healthy competition for the starting duties. I will have to work harder,” he conceded.Harambee Starlets striker Marjolen Nekesa accuses agent of fraudThe former Tusker shot-stopper says getting his confidence back in order to execute seamless build-up from back, distribute the ball accurately, command his area and ball gathering are some of the aspects he is seeking to improve on.“The most important thing is being or having confidence. When you’re coming off a lengthy injury layoff, your confidence likely gets a beating and sometimes have hysteria. I hope to be fully fit and fully ready for the qualifiers,” he added.The former KCB missed the opening two qualifier matches against Gabon and Seychelles played in November last year.
