EXCLUSIVE Heartfelt Sichenje: 'Real pressure was when my family had nothing to eat'

For the second time in a month and a half, the Serbian side, Vojvodina, brushed aside the country's giants and the UEFA Europa League side, Red Star Belgrade, and one of the most deserving for the vital road 1-0 triumph the popular Old Lady recorded on Sunday was the Kenyan international Collins Sichenje, who was "Man of the Match" according to many.

The club from Novi Sad is currently third in the Serbian Mozzart Bet Super Liga, seven points behind the table-toppers Partizan and five behind Red Star, which gives Vojvodina a fair right to dream of the title they last won in the 1988/1989 season.

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In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Sichenje revealed that confidence in the team is high, but that staying humble is key.

"A fantastic victory for us, that gives us confidence to keep pushing forward. Personally, I always believe in my quality, and I know I can put in performances like the one in Belgrade on Sunday. We must remain humble after this triumph, as it's essential for us to win the next two games before the league break. We must win at all costs," the defender stated at the beginning of the interview.

Ever since he joined Vojvodina from the Swedish side AIK, Sichenje has been the player with the most disciplinary cards on the team. This season, he's been booked four times and sent off twice, though he claims the "aggression" is the key to his success, as well as that he doesn't care what the public thinks of his "disciplinary issues."

Sichenje fighting for the ball with Aleksandar Katai of Red Star in the derby played two days ago (©MN Press)

"Sometimes I can be too emotional and reckless on the pitch, and unaware of the consequences at the same time. It may appear to be a lack of control to someone, but it's simply my playing style. I don't understand Serbian referees, who sometimes hand out cards too early, and thus, "kill" the game. Football is a contact sport, let us play, not every foul deserves a card."

"For me, the most important is the manager's opinion. I don't mind what other people say. It's up to me to stay humble and give everything on the pitch."

Sichenje's relationship with Vojvodina head coach Miroslav Tanjga has been excellent, and the fact that the Harambee Stars international has been one of the team's most regular players speaks volumes.

"He's a good guy who believes in me and has given me an important role this season. I'm not taking it for granted, and that's why I give my best in every match. I think people can see it - that I really fight for the club to repay them for having faith in me."

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Still, the impression is that the Kenyan could use some help in the defensive line, so Vojvodina should look for some quality centre-back in the upcoming January Transfer Window.

"In my opinion, we have a good team. As for reinforcements, it's up to the club's management. Sometimes, teammates who aren't defenders have to stand in, but we're handling it well. Kufre Eta was unfortunate to pick up an injury, but he'll be a massive boost for our defence once he returns. He's an exceptional player."

Speaking of the Cameroonian who joined Vojvodina last July from Bulgarian CSKA 1948 for €1 million, many members of the club's staff compare him to Sichenje, particularly due to their outstanding physical abilities.

"We both have pros and cons. We are both strong, though our playing styles differ. Each of us is unique, and that applies to the whole team. That's why we've been such tricky rivals this season."

Even though he's "just" 22, the former AFC Leopards player has occasionally been a "mentor" to the younger and less experienced teammates, establishing himself as a leader of Vojvodina's defence.

"I feel a great responsibility, as I've been given the keys to our defence. That shows how much the coach and teammates believe in me. I'm trying to help our youngsters as much as I can, because I also needed it at the beginning of my career."

The public remembers how Sichenje impressed everyone on his debut in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers against the mighty Ajax, and two days ago against Red Star, he - according to many - put in the best performance since joining the Novi Sad side.

"To be honest, I've never felt anxiety because of a match. It doesn't put pressure on me. The real pressure was when my family had nothing to eat and lacked basic necessities. On the pitch, I'm simply trying to be honest with myself and have some routines that help me stay focused."

"Hence, I approach these 'big' games like any other. It's not a "life or death" situation - I know what they are. These are just football matches, at the end of the day."

Sichenje in a duel with Kian Fitz-Jim of Ajax on his debut with Vojvodina in Amsterdam, in July 2024 (©AFP)

The 22-year-old's fantastic performances caught the eye of numerous clubs from England, Belgium, and the USA, which have been standing in line for his eventual transfer.

"When the time comes, I'll be ready. Currently, I feel great in Novi Sad and am solely focused on Vojvodina. I want us to achieve the best possible result and win a trophy. I want to win silverware with the club before I leave."

The most realistic target is the Serbian Mozzart Bet Cup, though the Kenyan doesn't give up the fight for the league title.

"I believe it's possible. If we stick together as a team and work well, we can achieve great things. That's just who I am - when I have a goal, I give my best to accomplish it. This season, we want a trophy."

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In the end, the centre-back admitted the departure of the forward Bamidele Yusuf was a huge blow both for the team and himself personally, as he was very close to the Nigerian off the pitch.

"It was a tough moment for me, because he was my best friend here. We've been doing everything together and dreaming shared dreams at Vojvodina. However, it was his moment to move on, and that's part of life."

"Now, I'm just trying to create a good bond with my teammates and help everyone who needs it. The harmony both in training as well as on the pitch will eventually build priceless chemistry on the team," Sichenje concluded.