Austin Odhiambo reflects on Gor’s turbulent season, backs club’s rebuild

Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo has described the just-concluded 2024/25 season as one of the toughest in his career, attributing the club’s struggles to instability and misfortune, but also calling it a necessary turning point for long-term progress.

Speaking to the press at Nyayo Stadium after a Harambee Stars training session ahead of the 2025 CHAN qualifiers, Odhiambo admitted that it had been a difficult campaign for both him and the team.

“It’s been a tough season for Gor Mahia. All the players endured a tough season, and that’s just part of the game,” he said.

The midfielder, who had his season hampered by injury, expressed relief at making a return in time to contribute to the team’s efforts.

“My injuries derailed my season, but I’m glad I came off it and got back to help the team as much as I could.”

Gor Mahia endured a trophy less season, something that hadn’t happened since 2016. The club lost the FKF Cup final to second-tier side Nairobi United and failed to retain the FKF Premier League title, which was won by Kenya Police FC.

Odhiambo who was named the MVP in the 2023/2024 season however believes the setbacks could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the record Kenyan champions.

“I can just say we had an unlucky season, which was also a good thing for the club management. They saw it as an opportunity to rectify some areas. If we had won the league or the cup, maybe these changes in the team management wouldn’t have happened.”

The midfielder was referring to Gor Mahia’s decision to disband its entire technical bench, including coaches and team officials, following the underwhelming season. The club went through three different head coaches last season.

Brazilian Leonardo Neiva was at the helm when the season began but was replaced by Croatian Sinisa Mihic who was again shown the door and Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno took reigning of the record champions overseeing their campaign move from bad to worse.

“It was difficult to gauge ourselves as players since we had three coaches. After every ten games, another coach came in with a different system, and it was hard for us.”

“Rolce Royce” as he is nicknamed by the Gor Mahia fans, believes that there is a silver lining for the club despite the chaotic season.

“Whatever happened, I see it as an opportunity for us to rebuild and have a competitive team.