Austin Odhiambo, the talented midfielder for Gor Mahia, is on a mission to achieve something extraordinary in the FKF Premier League: a back-to-back Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The 2023/24 season saw him shine with remarkable performances that helped Gor Mahia secure a record 21st league title. Now, as the team enters the new season, Odhiambo has set his sights on repeating that success, both for his club and individually.
Odhiambo’s rise to prominence came after a season where his exceptional form was key to Gor Mahia’s title win. His ability to dictate play, his vision, and his creativity in the midfield earned him the league’s highest individual honor. In the current season, he has wasted no time in making his presence felt, scoring four goals in just five appearances. These contributions have been vital in helping Gor Mahia bounce back from an early slump and regain momentum in their title defense.
The early part of the season was challenging for Gor Mahia, marked by inconsistent performances that led to the dismissal of head coach Leonardo Neiva. During this period, Odhiambo was away on international duty with the Harambee Stars. However, since his return, the midfielder has been in superb form, scoring in back-to-back games under interim coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno. His performance in these matches has been instrumental in helping Gor Mahia regain their footing in the league.
In a thrilling 3-2 victory over Talanta, Odhiambo once again demonstrated his class. His pinpoint free-kick delivery set up the opening goal for Sylvester Owino, and he followed it up with a brilliant strike of his own, showcasing his incredible technical ability. His contribution was rounded off by Christopher Ochieng’s goal, which sealed the victory for Gor Mahia. These performances have further cemented Odhiambo’s place as one of the most important players for the club.
Despite his individual success and growing reputation, Odhiambo remains focused on the collective goals of the team. In an interview, he emphasized that the most important thing is for the team to succeed, and individual accolades like the MVP award will follow if the team performs well. “I still can’t say (if I’ll win the MVP again). The most important thing is that the team wins, then the rest will follow,” he remarked. However, he also acknowledged that winning the MVP title is a personal ambition, and it is something he is aiming for.
For Odhiambo, there is a natural connection between individual and team success. He understands that his personal achievements, such as winning the MVP award, are often tied to the success of the team as a whole. Reflecting on the team’s ambitions for the current season, he expressed confidence in their ability to repeat the success of the previous year. “Last time we were champions, and this season we are aiming for that again to have a successful season,” he said.
Odhiambo’s leadership in the midfield has been vital in Gor Mahia’s pursuit of more silverware. His passing range, vision, and ability to score goals make him an indispensable part of the team. His impact extends beyond the pitch, as he inspires his teammates and raises the level of play across the squad. As the season progresses, his performances will undoubtedly be a driving force in Gor Mahia’s quest for back-to-back league titles.
With the team’s ambitions set high, Odhiambo’s form and consistency will be crucial in their pursuit of further success. The midfielder’s ability to deliver in key moments, whether through his playmaking or goal-scoring contributions, will be essential as Gor Mahia aims to defend their title and challenge for more silverware. As for Odhiambo, the prospect of another MVP award is a clear goal, but his primary focus remains on helping the team achieve their collective ambitions.
As the season unfolds, Odhiambo’s performances will continue to be a focal point in Gor Mahia’s title defense. His desire to make history by winning a second consecutive MVP award is a testament to his dedication and commitment to excellence. For Gor Mahia, having a player of Odhiambo’s quality leading the charge is a significant asset in their quest for dominance in Kenyan football.
