By Gilbert Wandera
Norway-based goalkeeper Arnold Origi says his decision to return from international retirement was prompted by a desire to be part of a rebuilding process.
Origi arrived in the Harambee Stars camp on Tuesday and will be part of the team, which travels to Namibia today for the Saturday 2014 World Cup qualifier.
“I had a meeting with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and coach Francis Kimanzi and they shared their vision of turning around Kenyan football with the involvement of all players. “This is what convinced me to make a comeback because I want to be part of this great vision,” he said.
Origi announced on social media four months ago that he had retired from international football sending panic in the Kenyan camp considering his status as the number one goalkeeper in the country.
He missed last weekend’s match against Malawi and is likely to fight it out with Tusker goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch for a starting position in the Namibia match.
“I have information that Oluoch played very well and understand it will not be easy coming back into the team but this is the essence of competition. It makes you better and gives you the challenge to prove your credentials,” he said.
Origi told Kenyan fans to get over the disappointment of being held by Malawi last weekend and remains positive that they can get a better result in Namibia this weekend.
“I am very confident and positive that we can do well in Namibia. We have a very good team going away and nowadays football has really evolved such that it does not matter at all whether you are at home or away,” he said.
He pointed out the fact that South Africa were held to a 1-1 tie by Ethiopia at home as one of the reasons Kenyans should continue hoping for a better performance in Namibia.
Regarding his form, the goalkeeper said he is in great shape and enjoying good performance at his club.
“I am enjoying myself at my club and feel very positive coming back to the national team,” he said.
