Austin Odhiambo: Harambee Stars fans question exclusion of Gor Mahia midfield maestro from squad

Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo. Photo: Gor Mahia

FOOTBALL Austin Odhiambo: Harambee Stars fans question exclusion of Gor Mahia midfield maestro from squad

Joel Omotto 16:31 - 13.03.2024

Kenyans have reacted angrily to the decision by Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat to snub Gor Mahia midfield maestro from the squad ahead of the Four Nations Tournament.

Harambee Stars fans are up in arms over the decision to leave out Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo from the provisional squad ahead of the Four Nations Tournament.

Stars coach Engin Firat unveiled his provisional squad for the tournament, set to take place in Malawi, but there was no place for Odhiambo, who has become a key cog for Gor Mahia this season.

Odhiambo has been a driving force for K’Ogalo, scoring seven goals so far from midfield and providing nearly as many assists, but he was not among the midfielders selected by Firat with Alfonce Omija, Richard Odada, Kaycie Odhiambo, Chris Erambo, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, David Sakwa and Eric Johanna among those selected.

Given his form, which has seen many declare him the best player in the FKF Premier League this campaign, Harambee Stars fans are struggling to understand why Firat overlooked him.

“Austin Odhiambo should be included in the squad. Do we need to scream for him to be included?” posed a fan.

“Where is the best midfielder Austin 'Pirlo' Odhiambo? Which criteria are these people using while selecting players?” asked another one.

“Why is Austin ‘Pirlo’ Odhiambo missing on this list? The best midfielder so far in the local league and he can't be called to the squad?”

“Austin Odhiambo is one of the best midfielders we have in Kenya right now. But he hasn't received a call-up. Seems he plays golf,” commented another Stars supporter.

Firat has been wedded to a three-man midfield of Odada, Akumu, and Muguna and he seems keen to keep it that way but some fans feel he is denying his team creativity by snubbing Odhiambo.

“Austin Odhiamboo has more goals and assists than Muguna and he is more clinical and he has composure. Not fair,” responded another disappointed fan. “Austin Odhiambo is better than Muguna. Our coach is a letdown.”

“This squad is null and void without Austin Odhiambo of Gor Mahia in that midfield. He's currently the best midfielder in the KPL and he's arguably better than all the midfielders in that squad.”

“We demand the inclusion of Austin Odhiambo in the squad. Call-up someone when he is in top form,” said another concerned fan.

“Ensure Austin Odhiambo’s name appears here or you make him appear on the pitch without mentioning his name,” was another demand to Firat.

It is not the first time Firat is facing the wrath of fans over his selection, having previously come under fire for snubbing Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala.

The pressure would pay off late last year when Omala was included in the squad and it remains to be seen how he will react to the latest development.

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