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The Kenyan international has put in some impressive performances since moving to South Africa and he is now being tipped to sign for giants such as Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno is earning high praise from fans in South Africa following his impressive displays for his new club Richards Bay.
Otieno joined Richards Bay this season following stints in Zambia, the last of which was at Zesco United, and he wasted little time to make his presence felt at the club.
He started by dislodging Ugandan Salim Magoola, being preferred in goal in seven straight matches since September 24, with his performances impressing even though his team have been on the losing end most of the season.
Richards Bay are currently second from bottom in the South African league but most of it is not Otieno’s fault as he has been among the few players who have covered themselves in glory during the poor run of form.
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16:19 - 09.11.2024
Ian Otieno reveals the goalkeeping great who inspires his pursuit of Richards Bay’s No.1 spot
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno has expressed admiration for a renowned goalkeeping figure and is determined to help Richards Bay reach the Carling Knockout final after last season's semifinal setback.
Otieno’s shot stopping has been impressive, showing great reflexes and agility, while making himself big on one-on-one situations to make strikers’ jobs difficult.
One game that first thrust him into the limelight came on September 29 against South African giants Orlando Pirates when he thwarted everything that was thrown at him until a late sublime freekick broke his resistance.
Those performances have endeared him to fans in the country with many feeling that he could be ideal for some of the top teams, such as the struggling Kaizer Chiefs, as playing in front of a poor defence at Richards Bay has been eroding most of his hard work.
“I challenge y’all to keep an eye on @richardsbayfc_ goalkeeper Ian Otieno. A gifted shot stopper, fearless and brave,” said an impressed fan.
“One of the best goalkeepers I have seen in my life. He can help that struggling Kaizer Chiefs team,” another one shared.
“I feel like he is better than our [Fiacre] Ntwari at Kaizer Chiefs. He commands his defence well,” said a Chiefs fan. “Incredible shot stopper, Chiefs should monitor his games.”
“I still can't believe the way he blocked that [Monnpule] Saleng shot. Kaizer Chiefs should go for this one, they need him.”
Others feel he is even better than the options Pirates have in goal currently.
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21:45 - 02.11.2024
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno heroics power 10-man Richards Bay to Carling Knockout semis in dramatic shootout
Ian Otieno produced a heroic performance, leading 10-man Richards Bay to a dramatic 5-4 Carling Knockout quarter-final victory in penalties.
“I said this long ago I watched 4 games of him and I said to my team here is the guy who will remind us of William Okpara @orlandopirates,” a Pirates fan pointed out.
“He is indeed good, next season he will be in Gauteng, trust me,” observed a supporter, who feels it won’t be long before Otieno plays for one of the Soweto giants.
“He is very good, he reminds me of the Richard Ofori that played for Maritzburg United.”
Richards Bay have conceded 11 goals while scoring just four in 11 league games but fans feel Otieno would have carried them higher up the table were those in front of him better.
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17:38 - 16.12.2024
Victor Wanyama: How my first Harambee Stars cap against Nigeria prepared me for the big stage
After nearly two decades, Victor Wanyama reflects on his unforgettable debut for Kenya against Nigeria, marking a historic journey.
“He is a very good goalkeeper. He deserves a stronger defence, which will protect him,” another fan said.
“He darkens the posts that the striker never sees where to put it in. Very, very good goalkeeper this one...Fantastic shot stopper.”
The Kenyan international has, however, lost his place to Magoola in the last two games and he will have to win it back first before the conversation over signing for a top tea
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