Austin Odhiambo Discloses Why He is Thriving Under Benni McCarthy - ‘Never Seen it From Any Other Coach’

Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo has been one of the star players at the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) with two goals to his name so far.

Odhiambo was the match winner in the opening match against DR Congo (1-0), when his first half strike separated the two sides, before scoring a penalty against Angola as Benni McCarthy’s men held on for a 1-1 draw despite playing for over 70 minutes with 10 men.

The Gor Mahia playmaker admits he is enjoying his best football in the national team and all this is down to working with coach McCarthy.

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Odhiambo has lauded the South African coach for making it easy for everyone within the squad to produce their best due to his remarkable man-management skills.

“He is so friendly; he brings players together. When you make a mistake, there are not many issues with him and because of that, players want to play for him,” Odhiambo told Pulse Sports.

“The players love each other and he has trust in every one in the squad. Just that we cannot play the whole squad but the trust he gives the person who is not playing is something I have never seen from any other coach.

“He is ready to bring in any person from the reserve to come and play in the staring XI which gives every player motivation and it is something that has really helped us so far as a team,” he added.

Odhiambo then went into details over the tactical instructions of McCarthy that have got him flourishing, something he had never experienced before in the national team.

“He [McCarthy] is someone who gives you freedom on the pitch so you are not afraid to express yourself. He gives you that courage to go and play and it is just for you to express yourself,” said the 25-year-old.

“I am an attacking midfielder and for the first time, I am getting that freedom in the national team and it is what is giving me courage to push and express myself.”

Odhiambo is among players McCarthy will be relying on for creativity and goals as Harambee Stars turn their focus to their quarter-final clash against Madagascar on Friday and while he enjoys a free role, he is still open to any instructions that he might be given to help the team win.

“It is for the team because as a player, you just have to be utility. Coaches have many ways of playing. Today you are in this position and tomorrow in that position so you just need to play to help the team at any moment the team wants you to,” said the former AFC Leopards midfielder.