Just as Benson Omala’s game has soared at Gor Mahia under Johnathan McKinstry’s leadership, Austin Odhiambo’s performance has similarly reached new heights. Johnathan McKinstry, the head coach of Gor Mahia, has detailed how he transformed Austin Odhiambo from a technically enjoyable player to watch into an effective playmaker with tangible contributions. Odhiambo moved to Gor Mahia from AFC Leopards in 2021 and is currently in his third season with the club, during which he has helped secure two trophies. His significant role in the team’s offense has placed him in the running for the league’s Most Valuable Player award, thanks to his contributions to numerous goals and assists. Odhiambo was also selected for the Harambee Stars squad for the games against Qatar and South Sudan in September, although he did not play. However, his current performance may earn him a spot in the upcoming Four Nations tournament in Malawi, as decided by head coach Engin Firat. McKinstry stressed the importance of player cohesion on the pitch. “It’s about understanding how the players connect,” McKinstry remarked. “Often, players brought into Kenyan teams are treated as solo acts. This was the case with some players when I joined Gor Mahia. Austin was acting somewhat individually, while success in football relies not on solo performance but on how individual talent complements team effort and connections with teammates. McKinstry highlighted Odhiambo’s development by pointing out his impressive stats from the last season, including nine goals and eight assists. This season, Odhiambo has already scored seven goals and made several assists, positioning him to match or exceed his previous season’s achievements. McKinstry is hopeful that Odhiambo will reach double figures in goals with 11 matches left. “We’re hopeful he’ll hit double digits in goals. With 11 games left, his assists to players like Benson, Sharrif (Musa), Papy (Sibomana), and Omondi (Boniface) are crucial. He’s performing well, but he knows he can’t do it alone. He needs his teammates.” As Odhiambo flourishes with McKinstry’s guidance, the collective success of Gor Mahia remains the ultimate goal for both the coach and player.
