Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has explained why South Sudan midfielder Jackson Dwang has not been a regular starter for the Kenyan champions despite being tipped to play a key role in the team following the departure of Austine Odhiambo.
Dwang joined Gor Mahia from Posta Rangers after Odhiambo completed his move to Lebanese side Nejmeh SC. His arrival was widely viewed as a move aimed at filling the creative void left by Odhiambo, who had become an influential figure in K’Ogalo’s midfield.
However, the South Sudan international has found himself having to wait for his opportunities under Akonnor, particularly during the club’s pre-season preparations and the opening stages of their CAF Champions League campaign.
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Dwang was once again among the substitutes when Gor Mahia faced Egyptian giants Pyramids FC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round at Nyayo Stadium over the weekend. Gor Mahia went on to suffer a 2-0 defeat, leaving them with a difficult task ahead of the return leg in Cairo.
Speaking after the match, Akonnor made it clear that Dwang’s absence from the starting XI is not necessarily an indication that the midfielder has fallen out of favour. Instead, the Ghanaian tactician pointed to form, fitness and tactical considerations as the main factors behind his team selection.
“He is not starting because we are looking at form, who is in the better shape and also the approach,” Akonnor explained.
The Gor Mahia boss also highlighted the need for his midfielders to adapt to different tactical demands, particularly when the team is without possession.
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According to Akonnor, Dwang is a player who enjoys being involved when his team has the ball, but there are other aspects of the game that he needs to demonstrate depending on the demands of a particular match.
“Jackson is somebody who loves to have the ball every time. This time around, it is not about having the ball also tactically to be disciplined, to be defensive in terms of when we don’t have the ball, how to get it,” he added.
Despite not starting, Dwang eventually entered the contest against Pyramids and gave Akonnor another option in the middle of the park during the latter stages of the encounter.
His cameo could prove important as Gor Mahia prepare for the second leg in Egypt, where they will need a vastly improved performance to overturn the two-goal deficit and keep their continental campaign alive.
Akonnor also appeared pleased with what Dwang offered after coming on, suggesting that the midfielder showed enough to remind the technical bench of his qualities.
“We brought him at the right time and I think he showcased what he is made of,” the coach said.
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Dwang played an important role in Gor Mahia’s successful campaign last season as K’Ogalo secured a record-extending 22nd SportPesa League title.
With the new season now underway, the midfielder will be keen to regain his place in the starting lineup and establish himself as one of the key figures in Akonnor’s plans.
The trip to Cairo could provide another opportunity. With Gor Mahia needing goals while also remaining disciplined defensively, Dwang’s ability to retain possession, create openings and contribute when the team does not have the ball could be crucial.
For now, the midfielder will have to remain patient and continue fighting for his place. With the second leg against Pyramids FC approaching, Dwang will be hoping his performance off the bench in Nairobi has done enough to earn him a bigger role in the decisive encounter.