Sofapaka FC midfielder Bernard Mang’oli says frequent injuries have denied him requisite playing time to earning a call up to the national team.

Mang’oli last featured for the Harambee Stars in March for friendlies against Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo says he remains focused in regaining full physical fitness ahead of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

Harambee Stars Coach Stanley Okumbi will be naming his squad for the regional tournament that is making a comeback after a two-year hiatus and Mang’oli is optimistic that he will be considered.

“In my mind I remain focused in regaining my Stars spot and it will change nothing even if I’m not called up,”

Mang’oli penned a two-year contract with Sofapaka following the expiry of his one-year deal with Leopards during the mid-season transfer window and he says his true potential is yet to be felt at the club.

“I wanted to play better and have a greater season than it’s turned out since I joined this great family. However frequent injuries have made me play less, score few goals than last season.

“Right now I’m still nursing my sprained ankle and I have been advised by our team doctor to rest and recover so as to avoid suffering a bigger setback. I will have to wait for one and a half weeks or more before I can get back to full training,” he added.

In a good turn of events, the Batoto ba Mungu have enjoyed a spectacular 2017 season, going from the brink of relegation last season to position two currently on the Kenyan Premier League standings.

“The technical bench as well as the team management including the Club President at Sofapaka has been an inspiration and supportive to the team during the highs and the lows seasons.