Tobias Otieno determined and motivated

New signing Tobias Otieno has impressed many fans and pundits alike, many of whom have touted him as a future star. He tells the star that he is motivated to play well enough to earn a place in the national team.

Courtesy of the Star

Gor Mahia midfield enforcer Tobias Otieno is losing no sleep despite being overlooked for the national soccer team, Harambee stars squad that lost to Mozambique last Sunday.

The former Sony Sugar hard man has been a revelation in his first few months at the 18-time league champions and has been touted as a future national team regular.

“I am happy to continue working hard and helping my club achieve their objectives. The matter of being selected for the national team is one that the coaches have to make. I know if I continue playing well for Gor, eventually God willing, I will get a chance,” said the Under-23 international.

Four of Tobias team-mates at Gor Clifton Miheso, Lawrence Juma, skipper Kenneth Muguna as well as defender  Joash Onyango were in the starting line up for the Mozambique friendly—something that thrilled the 21-year-old.

“It is a motivation to see players you are with every day in training playing for the national team. It gives you believe that if you work as hard as they do, you will also get an opportunity to play at that level. It is every footballer’s dream to represent his country and I am no different,” remarked Toby.

Though he is mainly used as a defensive shield by coach Steven Pollack, Toby’s ball-handling skills enable him to venture further forward and he revealed that he is working hard to add goals to his game.

“Football has evolved. It is no longer the sole responsibility of strikers to score. Goals are something that I am working hard to bring into my game,” he explained.

Gor will be back in action this weekend to defend their perfect start to the campaign when they take on Kariobangi Sharks at Kasarani.

The defending champions remain firm favourites to win an unprecedented fourth successive league title having amassed twelve points in an unblemished title defence so far.

“Our fans are very demanding and that gets to the players and we cannot rest on our laurels. Every season has different challenges and our target again is to retain our title and do well on the continental front,” concluded Toby.

Philemon Otieno aims for December Return

Philemon Otieno, who suffered a career threatening injury while playing for the national team, says his rehab is going well and he is on track for a December return to action.

“I’m seeing the physio and I can tell you that everything has gone on well smoothly after the operation. Next week I should start the normal jogs which will be followed by ball work in the coming weeks.”

“In December I think I will be ready to return into action according to the schedule I have been given,” Otieno told Futaa.

After his injury, the FKF refused to pay for his surgery. It was left to his Harambee stars team-mates to foot the bill for the surgery.