Austin Odhiambo returns to Gor Mahia as move to Belgium reportedly stalls

Austin Odhiambo returns to Gor Mahia as move to Belgium reportedly stalls

Festus Chuma 06:15 - 15.08.2024

Harambee Stars' Austin Odhiambo returns to Gor Mahia training amid transfer speculations, boosting team's CAF Champions League preparations.

Austin Odhiambo has returned to training at M-Pesa Foundation Academy, as Gor Mahia prepares for their upcoming CAF Champions League preliminary round against El Merreikh FC Bentiu of South Sudan.

The talented midfielder's comeback is a significant boost for the team, especially after his recent transfer saga.

Odhiambo was heavily linked with a move to Belgian giants KAA Gent, with reports suggesting that the deal was in its final stages.

His absence from the squad that traveled to Tanzania for friendlies against Fountain Gate FC fueled speculation about his imminent departure.

However, despite the advanced talks, the move remains uncertain and could potentially collapse.

The 2023-24 FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player had also missed the CECAFA Kagame Cup with the rest of the team in July, further raising questions about his future with Gor Mahia.

Despite the swirling transfer rumors, which also included potential moves to Rwanda, Odhiambo's return to training is timely.

His presence is crucial for Gor Mahia as they look to extend their successful run in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, where they are the reigning champions.

Odhiambo was instrumental in their last season's campaign, and his skills in midfield will be vital as they face a challenging opponent in El Merreikh FC Bentiu, the champions of the South Sudan League.

The preliminary round match against El Merreikh is scheduled for August 18, and Gor Mahia needs all hands on deck to secure a victory.

A win would set up a high-stakes encounter against the defending champions, Al Ahly of Egypt, in the second round.

El Merreikh FC Bentiu, although lesser-known, has shown considerable prowess by securing their national league title and qualifying for the CAF Champions League.

Gor Mahia will need to approach the match with the utmost seriousness, and Odhiambo’s return could be the catalyst for a strong performance.

All eyes will now be on Odhiambo to see if he can shake off the transfer distractions and focus on his current responsibilities.

His ability to contribute to Gor Mahia’s midfield, both in creating and stopping plays, will be crucial against both El Merreikh and potentially against Al Ahly.

For now, however, the focus is on the Champions League and ensuring that Gor Mahia is as prepared as possible for the challenges ahead.

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