Musa Otieno says he is comfortable in defence

By Robin Toskin

Harambee Stars captain Musa Otieno has for the first time opened his heart to discuss his role in the national team.

Otieno, 36, insists he is comfortable playing in defence more than in midfield, which his critics think suits his advanced age.

Opinion is divided threefold whether the Sanlam Santos maestro still has a role to play in Harambee Stars’ World Cup/Africa Nations Cup double assault.

One school of thought believes Stars need battle-hardened war-horses such as Otieno. A second think, though he is needed, his role should be in midfield, not defence because his pace his slackening.

Musa Otieno at Harambee Stars’ training at Nairobi City Stadium, Tuesday. [PHOTOS: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD]

The purist lot, however, are categorical that Musa should enjoy his sunset years at Cape Town and pave way to young blood.

But in a candid interview yesterday at City Stadium, Nairobi, as Stars converged for their return World Cup/Africa Nations Cup against Black Mambas of Mozambique, Otieno said: "My continued playing for Kenya even at 36 years should serve as an inspiration to other upcoming players."

He went on: "I have never been a hindrance. In fact, it is up to the youngsters to raise their game. There are players who have given up on Stars game because of the way it is managed, but if I am still playing it should motivate them that there is something to play for."

After an impressive second round performance, Harambee Stars lost 2-1 to Tunisia at home and were stuffed 3-0 by Nigeria before coming good with a 2-1 victory over Mozambique.

The performance has drawn criticism of new coach Antoine Hey’s fielding and his insistence to play Otieno in defence and not midfield.

"It is not entirely right that there is room to relax in midfield. If you look at statistics in matches, it is the midfielders who cover longer distances. So, to say that Musa should play in midfield is really missing the point," Otieno said.

The former AFC Leopards and Tusker defender said what is important is now to rally behind the national team whatever our differences including the sorry state of the management of the game.

"The narrow victory over Mozambique in June shows that we must raise our game to keep alive our chances of playing in the World Cup and the Africa Nations Cup," Otieno said.

"Mozambique is a tough team but we are not contemplating defeat. The least we have get is a draw," he said.