Harambee Stars defender opens up on his future at Polish club after eight months out
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 06.04.26. | 11:08
The Kenyan international has been out of action since August 28, 2025, when he ruptured his Achilles tendon during a training session ahead of Raków’s UEFA Conference League qualifier against Bulgarian outfit Arda Kardzhali
After nearly eight months on the sidelines, Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma is finally nearing a return to action.
However, the Harambee Stars defender admits that his future at Raków Częstochowa remains uncertain as he prepares to restart his career.
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The Kenyan international has been out of action since August 28, 2025, when he ruptured his Achilles tendon during a training session ahead of Raków’s UEFA Conference League qualifier against Bulgarian outfit Arda Kardzhali.
The injury dealt a major blow to both player and club, with Raków later crashing out of the competition after surrendering a first-leg advantage.
At the time, the Polish club confirmed the severity of the setback, throwing their support behind the left-back, who subsequently underwent surgery ten days later.
His teammates also paid tribute, wearing shirts bearing the message “Erick, we are with you” in a show of solidarity.
Now approaching the eight-month mark, Ouma is edging closer to a return, with a crucial fitness test lined up.
“I’ve been out for like seven months, going to eight now, and next week I’m supposed to do return-to-play tests. After that, they will assess everything, and maybe I can start training with the team,” he revealed.
Despite the progress, the defender has ruled out a rushed comeback before the end of the current campaign, opting instead to focus on next season.
“There are like eight games left, and I’ve been out for seven months. I cannot just come back and start playing. There is a protocol that needs to be followed. I have to understand what my body wants. For me, the focus is on next season,” he explained.
His absence has been felt both at the club and international level.
Ouma has missed seven matches for Harambee Stars, including four 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, international friendlies, and FIFA Series fixtures.
Before the injury, he had been a key figure for Raków, making 18 appearances while contributing a goal and three assists.
The club, which lifted the Polish league title in the 2022/23 season, is once again pushing for domestic glory after finishing second last term, just behind Lech Poznań.
As speculation around his future grows, Ouma admitted that he is in no position to make definitive decisions.
“I will still be in Poland next season, maybe 90 to 100 percent, but that depends on the club and what will come. If the club releases me, I don’t have to object. If they let me stay, then I will stay,” he said.
The defender acknowledged that his career has effectively been reset by the injury.
“The future now is unpredictable because I have been injured. I am beginning again from zero. You have to take every day slowly, understand your body, and adapt to new ways of playing,” he opened up.
Beyond the physical battle, Ouma also opened up on the mental challenges of watching from the sidelines.
“You always feel like, why are others playing and I’m not? But football is a game of moments. Even if it doesn’t happen now, your time will come. What matters is how you handle that moment,” he explained.
However, the period away from the pitch has not been without its positives.
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The former Gor Mahia defender says the experience has broadened his perspective on life beyond football.
“I’ve learned there’s life outside football. I’ve met new people, shared ideas, and understood how others live and work. It has been a good moment to learn how life is on the other side,” he reflected.
Marcelo left the country on Saturday, 4 April, to join his club.