Harambee Stars defender provides update after heart problem ends CHAN dream
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 01.08.25. | 09:04
The 23-year-old told Mozzart Sport that tests had returned positive outcome much to his relieve
Harambee Stars defender Swaleh Pamba says his playing career is not at risk, after it was reported that he missed out on the final African Nations Championships (CHAN) squad due to a "slight problem" with his heart.
Pamba, 23, was on Wednesday, 30 July dropped from the Harambee Stars 25-man team, with head coach Benni McCarthy saying the player’s in-house medical report had revealed a little bit of a defect in his heart, which forced the team to lean on the side of caution by pulling him out of the Saturday, 2 to Saturday, 30 August competition.
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And whilst McCarthy did not dive into the specifics of the condition, he termed the situation delicate, opting to wait for direction from proper medical authorities, so as to ascertain what Pamba’s footballing career holds.
But in an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, the Bandari defender said he was okay, allaying any fears that his career would be cut short.
“I am fully okay,” Pamba said on Thursday, 31 July. “I had an appointment with a specialist this morning, and he did not detect anything odd,” he revealed.
Pamba, who was still in the national team camp despite being dropped, said he was waiting for the results of a second test conducted this week, which are expected to serve as a follow-up to the one McCarthy referenced in his presser.
“I am yet to get the finer details of the latest test, but as it stands, the previous test took precedence, and that is the reason why I was not cleared and effectively dropped,” he said.
On potential risks to his young playing career, Pamba, who made his national team debut on 10 June against Chad in a friendly, said: “What I got this morning showed that there is no danger. I am still an active player, and I intend to continue with my career.”
The defender confirmed he had no history of heart complications, saying family members and friends had been in contact, asking about the reported test.
On missing the squad to CHAN, Pamba said: “It is all God’s plan. I cannot question too much because this was my second time being with the national team, and I looked set to be in the team. Normally, I feel a bit disappointed, but this will not be the end of my journey.”
Kenya begins its CHAN campaign on Sunday, 3 August against DR Congo at the Moi International Sports Centre - Kasarani at 1500 EAT.
