Gor Mahia’s ‘Blackberry’ targets national team return
George “Blackberry” Odhiambo has linked his future at Gor Mahia to that of the team’s head coach Frank Nuttal, whilst adding his immediate target is to reclaim his place in the national football team.
The 25 year old’s potential has never quite been in doubt since he burst onto the local scene as a speedy youngster about half a decade ago.
However, the forward has never quite settled at one workstation, instead opting for a highly nomadic career that has since seen him feature in the Danish, Tanzanian, Kenyan and Armenian football leagues.
This situation seems to be changing though, if the player’s recent utterances are to be considered.
FEEL GOOD
Odhiambo appeared to struggle in the first half of last season under coach Bobby Williamson, but vastly improved under Nuttal during the later stages of the campaign.
In a recent interview with Nairobi News, he said “he is feeling good” working with Nuttal and is hoping the relationship continues into the 2015 season.
Nuttal, who joined Gor in a three month “probation” deal last September, is expected to pen a two year extension within the next week.
“The player said: “I am happy to note that the coach will be staying with us this season. Nuttal made me feel good and wanted again which is very important to me; even now he speaks to me after every game and even when we are on holidays, he texts just to say how are you? Hope you are having fun? I am secure if he remains at Gor.”
Odhiambo, who has won 15 caps for Harambee Stars, added that he wishes to be involved in the national team set up in the near future.
The player last donned the Kenyan jersey during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
“I have worked with stars coach Bobby (Williamson)…. it is easy to convince him, because he fully looks at and considers ones performances. So I know what to do because donning the Harambee Stars jersey once again is my goal,” the player added.
‘Blackberry’ is expected to step up the plate this season in leading the team’s attack alongside new Ghanian signing Taofik Zachary, especially in the absence of Dan Sserunkuma, the former prolific striker at the club who quit to join Tanzania’s Simba SC.