Gor Mahia assistant captain Austin Odhiambo is heading into Sunday’s highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby against his former side, AFC Leopards with total confidence and zero pressure.
The 98th Mashemeji Derby carries extra significance as he could possibly face Ingwe which now features his elder brother, Tyson Otieno.
Speaking to members of the press ahead of the clash, the K’Ogalo talisman expressed confidence, viewing the fixture as a milestone in his career journey.
Gor Mahia assistant captain Austin Odhiambo unfazed ahead of Mashemeji Derby
“It is a good feeling, it shows where you have come from and where you are going. So for me, I don’t have any pressure because it’s not the first time I’m playing in the derby. I just have to do my job and help my team to win.”
Odhiambo, who initially rose through the ranks starting from the AFC Leopards Cubs youth setup, made the highly controversial move directly from the blue and white of Ingwe to the green of their arch-rivals, Gor Mahia, in October 2021.
This transfer was considered one of the most talked-about defections in the history of the Mashemeji Derby, as he switched to K’Ogalo after years of development and service at the den of the Leopards.
Having already established a reputation for scoring crucial goals against Ingwe, Odhiambo is focused purely on executing his role for the reigning champions.
Austine planning to turning hostility into personal motivation on the pitch
The influential attacking midfielder is prepared for hostility from the opposition crowd, treating any boos as a sign of respect for his performance.
“If they boo you, it shows that you are doing something good. I know that our fans will be more than theirs so I won’t even hear the boos. To me, it’s a motivation that I can do something worth being noticed.”
The vice captain confirmed the team is fully motivated and ready to use the biggest game in the country to apologize for their recent heavy loss to APS Bomet.
The boys are psyched up, there’s great feeling in the camp and everyone is ready for the Mashemeji Derby.
It is a good game for everyone and it’s every player’s wish to play such a match because it’s the biggest game in the country.
The match has come at a right time, we know that we owe our fans after losing to Bomet in the last game. So this is a good chance to show our fans that we are still capable of winning.”
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The former Ambira High school player has scored in three league occasions against Ingwe and will be hoping to silence critics once again when the two teams meet on Sunday.
He scored in their 2-1 loss at Nyayo Stadium in 2022, the 1-0 win at Nyayo Stadium in 2023 and the 1-1 draw in Homa Bay last campaign.
