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Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has given reasons why he thinks Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo is still far from ready to represent the national team.
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has seemed to suggest that Gor Mahia midfield maestro Austin Odhiambo is still not ready for the national team despite an outcry from fans to have him included.
Odhiambo was among the big misses from the squad when Firat announced his team for the upcoming Four Nations tournament with fans criticising the tactician for omitting him even when he has been the driving force for his side’s title charge.
However, while defending himself, Firat said the player was snubbed not just for ill discipline but also because he is still far from being world class.
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16:32 - 19.03.2024
FOOTBALL Austin Odhiambo: Firat explains why he snubbed Gor Mahia midfielder from Harambee Stars squad
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has defended himself against criticism over his decision to snub Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo while putting blame on the player.
The Turkish tactician compared Odhiambo’s career to that of some of the youngsters in the national team whom he says started playing in Europe early while he is still in the local league.
“How old is Austin? 24, how old is Stanley Wilson or Timothy Ouma? Stanley is 17, Timothy was already 17 when he signed in Europe and he [Austin] is still in Kenya but somebody still wants to explain that he is world class,” Firat said on Tuesday.
“You think the European are stupid? Austin’s capacity is not a problem but he has to ask himself, he was before in AFC Leopards. He was playing in the U23 with Stanley Okumbi but someone still did not invite him to the national team.”
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16:31 - 13.03.2024
FOOTBALL Austin Odhiambo: Harambee Stars fans question exclusion of Gor Mahia midfield maestro from squad
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.
Firat feels the player is being misled to believe he has already made it based on his goals and assists yet he still falls short in other areas of his games.
“The only data I had about Austin was that he scored seven goals. Even if you play football manager on Play Station, there is 100 different data before you have a successful game,” explained Firat on why Odhiambo still needs to improve.
The Gor Mahia midfielder’s absence has been a subject of debate and Firat’s comments will likely add fuel to the raging fire.
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