Sichenje: "It felt amazing to be back on the pitch!"

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Collins Sichenje expects a tough test on Wednesday night when the Addicks host second-placed Ipswich Town in the Sky Bet Championship (KO 7.45pm BST).

The Kenyan international returned from a hamstring injury on Saturday and is now relishing the run-in.

"It's going to be a difficult game, but we're strong and we have to give everything," he explained. "We need the points.- we need to stick to our game plan and give 100%.

"For me, it felt amazing to be back on the pitch and I tried to do what I love most," continued Sichenje. "It was a bit frustrating for the team that we didn’t get the three points, but we just have to keep focused on the remaining games and do our best for the team to stay in the league.

"Physically, I feel okay. I always try to work hard even when I'm injured, I always try to do the right things and follow the right steps, and it feels nice to be back.

"My confidence is good; we just need to try and keep going as much as possible to help the team."

The centre-back has settled into life at Sparrows Lane well since arrival from Serbian SuperLiga side FK Vojvodina in February.

"To be honest, the club is a nice place to be. Everyone here has been willing to help me, and it hasn’t taken me a lot of time [to settle]. It has been a smooth time for adapting," he said. 

"I love The Valley - the atmosphere is nice and it gives you more energy. That's something that I always look for in the home games. For us to play with that energy, it makes us happy.

"I don’t take the support [from Charlton fans] for granted. The most important thing for me is to keep working in training, keep listening to the senior players and everything will fall into place. I believe in my qualities."

Following the Kenyan's arrival in SE7, the club has seen a surge of support from fans in his homeland and Sichenje is thriving on the attention that he has received from his fellow countrymen. 

"It feels amazing to have support from Kenyan fans," he said.  

"They're so passionate, they love what I'm doing and it's something that gives me motivation. It shows how a lot of people believe in you, and I have to keep that in my mind and keep working because I have goals and dreams."

Meanwhile, Sichenje has spoken of his love of London since his January arrival and revealed that he has already partaken in some sightseeing as he explores the capital. 

Speaking to Rich Cawley for South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition, the Kenyan revealed: "I took one of the buses that moves around [London] with the headphones on. It was amazing! That's something I'm going to be doing, because I loved it.

"I went to the museum where they have the jewels next to London Bridge [the Tower of London] and it was amazing."

The Addicks return to The Valley on Wednesday for the visit of Ipswich Town. Get your tickets now!

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