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Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo has revealed how Johnathan McKinstry helped unlock his potential.
Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo has credited new The Gambia coach Johnathan McKinstry for significantly enhancing his performance on the field.
Odhiambo capped off the season impressively, netting 11 goals and providing numerous assists, playing a crucial role in helping Gor Mahia retain their league championship for the second consecutive year.
The creative midfielder's game has reached new heights, and he is now arguably the most valuable player of the season in his third year with Gor Mahia, having taken time to adapt after his transfer from AFC Leopards.
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16:10 - 02.07.2024
COSAFA Cup player ratings: Austin Odhiambo and Byrne Omondi shine in Kenya's win over Zimbabwe
Austin Odhiambo and Byrne Omondi shone in Kenya's 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the ongoing 2024 COSAFA Cup, but how did everyone else perform?
Despite having worked with several coaches such as Kennedy Kabethi, Boniface Ambani, Mark Harrison, and Anthony Kimani, Odhiambo has thrived under McKinstry, who had predicted a year ago that he would become the best player in the country.
Speaking to Azam TV in a recent interview, Austin, who has been heavily linked with a move to Belgian outfit Gent, revealed how the Northern Irish tactician improved his game.
“He is the one who has helped me elevate my game. He put pressure on me to become more of a team player,” Odhiambo said. “When he came, he wanted to build the team around me, which gave me pressure to want to perform, and luckily enough, I was able to handle it.”
Odhiambo explained that McKinstry's trust in him was pivotal, as it countered the doubts others had about his game.
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16:05 - 02.07.2024
Man of the match Austin Odhiambo reveals how Kenya outsmarted Zimbabwe in COSAFA Cup
Austin Odhiambo has shared what Kenya's Emerging Stars did to overcome Zimbabwe in the second half.
“People were using that aspect about my game as an excuse not to trust me more. The coach trusted me. However, it was difficult at first because I thought my job was to score and create.”
He noted a shift in his understanding of the game, emphasising the importance of teamwork instilled by McKinstry.
“I used to assume that if you run around, you won’t have enough energy to still find the back of the net. This season, we have had a lot of teamwork. Any time you lose the ball, everyone has had to fight back to win it back. That is what has helped us.”
Odhiambo also highlighted the competitive environment within the team as a driving force behind their success.
“This is the season where I have played with top players. There has been competition for places in every position, and we have been united in general. I also have had competition. In training, it has been a tall order to cement your place.”
As Austin Odhiambo continues to shine on the field, his growth under Johnathan McKinstry's guidance stands as a testament to the transformative impact a dedicated coach can have on a player's career.
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