Ulinzi Stars shot-stopper Stephen Otieno is set to miss the remainder of the season with a cruciate ligament tear the club has announced.The custodian was in top form with the four-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions before picking up an injury during his side’s 1-0 loss to Bidco United in November at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.##NAJAVA_MECA_7778379##Before the injury, he had managed to break into starting the first team fending off competition from the experienced Michael Wanyika.Initially, it was believed the custodian would return in a short period, but the club has announced that he will undergo surgery keeping him out for months.Taking to their socials, the club confirmed the towering netminder will need to go under the knife to address the injury effectively.“Goalkeeper Ochieng Stephen will be sidelined for the remainder of the season after sustaining a posterior cruciate ligament tear during our Match against Bidco FC in November Last Year. Following a thorough examination and diagnostic tests, it has been determined that surgical intervention is necessary to address the injury effectively,” read a Facebook statement from the club.Silibwet Leons rookie Obed Biketi sets ambitious target ahead of league restartThe injury is a big blow to coach Antony Kimani who has endured a tough start to life on the military side managing five wins in 16 matches. It will be interesting to see how he approaches the transfer market set to go full swing next week in a bid to rescue an already sinking season.In the absence of Ochieng, the club has been using former Bandari custodian Wanyika but has kept a single clean sheet in six matches he has started managing a single win and failing to collect maximum points on four instances.Long-serving goalkeeper James Saruni is also an option in between the sticks.The soldiers get the new year underway on Sunday in a must-win clash against a limping AFC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium.Pre-Match Tactical Analysis: Posta Rangers Vs Gor Mahia
