Richard Odada: Coach Explains What Harambee Stars Midfielder Must Do to Keep His Starting Spot

UTA Arad head coach Adrian Mihalcea has detailed what Harambee Stars midfielder Richard Odada must do to maintain his place in the Romanian side's starting lineup.

Richard Odada made his long-awaited debut for the top-flight club on November 30, concluding a three-month wait due to administrative issues and stiff competition within the squad.

Richard Odada’s first appearance came unexpectedly after key midfielder Marinos Tzionis sustained a serious injury. Tzionis, the club's most expensive player, valued at €900,000, was forced off just seven minutes into the match with severe pain in his left leg.

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What was initially believed to be a severe bruise was later diagnosed as a fibula fracture, sidelining him for approximately two months and creating an opportunity for Richard Odada.

Since getting his chance, the Kenyan international has steadily gained the confidence of the coaching staff. He delivered a standout performance in a 2-1 victory over Hermannstadt, which earned him another 80 minutes of play in the subsequent 1-0 win against Petrolul Ploiesti.

Mihalcea once again started Richard Odada in their most recent league fixture against Farul Constanța, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, Richard Odada was substituted in the 65th minute for Sota Mino.

Speaking after the match, Mihalcea expressed encouragement with Richard Odada's recent form but stressed the need for greater intensity and competitiveness from all his players.

The coach noted that the midfielder's impact on winning second balls and defensive duels had diminished compared to his previous outings, which led to the substitution.

"In Odada’s case, the change was also made because he didn’t have the decisive tackles he had before," Mihalcea told Prima Sport, explaining his tactical decisions. "Luca [Mihai] was more of a number 6, and we didn’t have continuity on the second ball, on the rebound, that’s why the change was made."

Mihalcea acknowledged that the match was marked by several individual errors but emphasised that the team must overcome its limitations, particularly with a small squad.

"It was a match with quite a few individual mistakes. In the end, we are happy with this point taken against a pretty good team," he said.

"It keeps us in the middle of the standings. We don't have a very big squad; we will now charge ourselves with energy for the last match, and then the break will come."

Richard Odada is expected to remain a strong contender for a starting position as UTA Arad prepares for its final fixture before the winter break.