)
Odhiambo and Masika played as the two free number eights either side of Alpha Onyango during their 1-0 win over AFC Leopards a fortnight ago
Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo has explained how the integration of January signing Musa Masika into the starting line up has made things even easier for him in terms of being the playmaker-in-chief of K’Ogalo.
Both players started alongside each other as roaming number 8s during their 1-0 win over AFC Leopards and wreaked havoc for the first 35 minutes of the game before a red card to Gor Mahia keeper Kevin Omondi forced coach Johnathan McKinstry into making enforced changes, with Masika coming off for Caleb Omondi.
However, there was plenty to be excited about watching both players play, and fans have plenty to look forward to from now till the end of the season.
Speaking to the club’s media, Odhiambo praised the impact Masika’s signing has had on his individual development.
“It has been good because it has made things much simpler for me because when you have creative players in the midfield, it is hard to get man-marked because the opposition thinks about stopping multiple players. It has made things easier for me,” Odhiambo said.
Masika, who joined the club on a free transfer from KCB, has vowed to get the best out of Austin by drawing markers to him with his skills both on and off the ball.
the former Wazito FC midfielder also singled out Alpha Onyango, an energetic midfielder who can play in the base of a midfield three despite being able to play the role of a box-to-box midfielder.
“I have to give out options. It is not the first time I have played with Austin. I also played with him for the national team and so it is easier.
“I have also played with Alfie (Onyango) at the U-20 level, so I know how both like to receive the ball so if we give each other more options, it becomes easier.”
It remains to be seen how Gor Mahia will line up for the rest of the season, but it will not be surprising to see them maintain their lineup, with their desire to control possession and realise McKinstry’s vision of being a swash-buckling pass-and-move team.
With Odhiambo and Masika’s burgeoning partnership and the inclusion of Onyango’s tactical nous, Gor Mahia fans can anticipate an exhilarating display of footballing prowess as the season progresses.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)