'Believe in me, coach'

By GILBERT WANDERA

George 'Blackberry' Odhiambo believes his time has come to command a starting position in the national team Harambee Stars.

Odhiambo has had one of his best seasons for Gor Mahia, but this success has not been translated into the national team with former coach Twahir Muhiddin the player was not committed to Stars.

The player, however, dismissed Muhiddin’s allegations insisting he has not been given time to do what he does at Gor and wants that to happen when Stars play Uganda Cranes on October 9 in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Nairobi.

Gor Mahia striker, George Odhiambo aka‘Blackberry’ (left) has asks Mulee to give him a starting place against Uganda Cranes

He said: "The coach decides who plays, but I believe I will have done enough in training to deserve a starting slot. My time has come to do for the national team what I do at club level."

"I am eager to play for the national team and believe I have what it takes to help them beat Uganda next month. My time has come and I need to be given a chance," he told Feverpitch, on Tuesday.

Odhiambo says that with good preparation Stars can beat Uganda Cranes next month.

The Gor Mahia hitman will have to fight for a starting place in the team with the likes of team captain Dennis Oliech of French side Auxerre and Sofapaka duo Allan Wanga and John Baraza.

But his desire for a starting place in the team raises competition for the striking position to all time high something that must excite coach Jacob Mulee as he prepares to name his first eleven next week.

"We have just had two days of training with the players showing a lot of promise. We will look at them and by next week it will be clear who can start for us against Uganda," he said during his first press briefing at Kasarani, on Tuesday.

Apart from Odhiambo, others hoping for a starting place in the team are Red Berets goalkeeper Wycliffe Kasaya and Sofapaka utility player Osborne Monday.

Kasaya said he believes he was ripe to be picked to face Uganda despite this being just his second call-up.

"I am delighted that the coaches have seen it fit to call me. I will repay them by working hard and convince them to give me a starting position in the team," he said.

He admitted that it will not be easy especially fighting against the likes of Wilson Obungu and Martin Musalia, two keepers who have shown a lot of promise for their clubs.