Just like Benson Omala, Austin Odhiambo's game has equally taken a notch higher at Gor Mahia under Johnathan McKinstry's management.
Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has explained how he turned Austin Odhiambo from just an aesthetically pleasing technician to watch to being an effective creator with actual end product.
Odhiambo joined Gor Mahia from AFC Leopards in 2021 and is now in his thied season at the club with whom he has won two trophies with.
He has found himself in contention for the league’s Most Valuable Player award after being integral to his side’s attacks, allowing him to contribute to numerous goals and assists.
He even got called up to the Harambee Stars squad for the September games against Qatar and South Sudan, but failed to feature.
07:00 - 19.02.2024
FKFPL Analysis : How Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo proved too hot for City Stars to handle
Gor Mahia beat City Stars 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Benson Omala, but this is why Austin Odhiambo was the man that really won them that battle.
However, his form could allow him to get called up for the upcoming Four Nations tournament in Malawi by head coach Engin Firat.
McKinstry emphasized the importance of understanding the cohesion among players on the field.
“Just about finding out how the guys linked together,” McKinstry said.
“A lot of times you bring players in here, especially in Kenya, who are allowed to be just individuals.
07:00 - 04.03.2024
FOOTBALL FKFPL: Austin Odhiambo getting Gor in the groove, Gitego paying off for Ingwe but no respite for Shabana
Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo is turning into their Mr Reliable, Arthur Gitego showed AFC Leopards fans what they have been missing but so much to worry for Shabana.
“That was the same with some players when I arrived at this club. Austin was playing a bit as an individual, whereas your success in football is not how you play as an individual, but how your talents combine with the team effort, and how you link with the guys above you.
Highlighting Odhiambo's growth, McKinstry pointed to his impressive statistics from the previous season, where he secured nine goals and eight assists.
In the ongoing season, Odhiambo has already notched seven goals and a handful of assists, putting him on track for comparable numbers. McKinstry expressed optimism about Odhiambo breaking into double digits in goal count with 11 games remaining.
“We hope he can break into double digits for his goals. We have got 11 games to go, but equally his assists for the likes of Benson, Sharrif (Musa), Papy (Sibomana), Omondi (Boniface).
08:32 - 02.03.2024
FKFPL Analysis : How Kayci Odhiambo can be AFC Leopards' John Stones in a hybrid midfield-center back role
Man City manager Pep Guardiola has been using John Stones in a hybrid midfield-center back role. Given Kayci is a midfielder-cum center back at AFC Leopards, could he be Tomas Trucha's version of the English defender at the club?
“He is doing well but he cannot do it on his own. He knows that. He needs his teammates around him.”
As Odhiambo continues to thrive under McKinstry's guidance, the collective triumph of Gor Mahia remains the primary focus for both the coach and the player.