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The soldiers have had to do without the former Kenya Under-23 international after he fractured his skull during a league match last May
Ulinzi Stars midfielder Ibrahim Shambi is close to returning to action one year after suffering a career-threatening head injury.
The former Kenya Under-23 star fractured his skull in May 2022 during a Football Kenya Federation Premier League against Vihiga Bullets after a collision with defender Brian Ochieng.
A highly-rated midfielder, Jembe as he is popularly known, will be hoping to be involved in the final four matches of the season as the soldiers target a strong end to the campaign.
Bernard Mwalala’s men have been inconsistent in 2022-23, winning back-to-back matches only twice in the entire campaign and the result has a mid-table placing.
The 2010 champions will also extend their trophy drought to a 12th straight year after falling to Tusker FC in the semi-final of the FKF Cup last weekend.
Shambi was pivotal for Ulinzi last term before his long-term injury robbed the soldiers of a key pillar for this campaign and will be hoping to use the remaining matches as part of his preparations for next season, if he wins the fitness race.
The player captained Ulinzi to the Kenyan Premier League Under-20 title in 2016 before being promoted to the senior team the following season.
Shambi has been unlucky with injuries during his spell with Ulinzi as he also suffered a nasty injury against the now defunct Vihiga United in December 2018. An aerial collision with Easton Esiye left him with a deep cut in the mouth that needed stitching.
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