If you have frequented Gor Mahia games in the concluded season, it has not been out of the ordinary to see a lanky central defender stand over set-pieces and corner kicks. The player is none other than Dennis Ng’ang’a.The former Wazito left back was converted into a central defender and his trajectory has been up ever since then.Ng’ang’a is an imposing defender who is mobile to the required extent. He has decent speed over short distances and is good over long distances too.##NAJAVA_MECA_7359253##He covers runs in behind well and has impeccable positioning in the box to deal with opponents’ cross balls.The former Tusker man’s defensive attributes are top notch, something which is not up for debate.However, what grabs the attention of most fans is his insanely good technical ability. He has grown to be a technical leader in the Gor defense with his wand of a left foot.Through him, Gor have been able to play their technical game further up the pitch as he starts out attacks well, giving them proper composure in the first phase.Dennis has the passing angles of a left footer and regularly uses them to progressively move his team up the pitch; his underrated ability is to shift his body with ease when under pressure.The boy from Paris retuns to his roots in YaoundeIn this piece I am going to look at how the central defender was influential in the tactical set up of the recently concluded FKF Premier League 2022/2023 champions Gor Mahia.In the Gor defense line, he was used on the left side of central defense, meaning he spends a lot of time in the left half space during the build-up, progression and even creation phases of play.In buildup Gor goalkeeper Gad Mathews looked to play out with low output majorly into Dennis.The centre back from here could receive the ball and if not under instant pressure he could dribble out until attracts pressure.When teams stepped up to press him, he was able to play to his right into a dropped central midfielder or into the left back Geoffrey Ochieng.The buildup phase at Gor looked to utilize him well, getting him more on the ball and creating automated movements around him like Benson Omalla dropping off the opposition last line, Boniface Omondi running in behind and Austin Odhiambo positioning in between the lines.These automated movements coached by Jonathan McKinstry allowed Dennis to have good passing angles and get him more involved in ball circulation.This immense technical ability and teammate movements allowed Gor to get into dangerous areas rapidly.In their progression phase, they used to push their left back higher up the pitch and depending on who is playing on that side, Ochieng, who has the tactical maturity to time his overlaps and underlaps well.This has ensured that K’Ogalo looked to have a rest defense of three at the back, with the right back, Philemon Otieno or Paul Ochuoga being more reserved in case of transitions.This would leave Ng’ang’a with the need to drag outside when opponents launch a transitional attack with a progressive pass or carry into the left channel.Mozzart Bet Cup hero Kevin Amwayi relishing second lease of lifeThis is where his experience as a left back would come into the fold; as he can deal with these defensive transitions comfortably.He demonstrated his comfortability when isolated 1v1 by the attacker, and didn’t rush into tackles, highlighting his good temperament.Another interesting aspect is how good he is aerially, in a league with little emphasis neat central combinations to penetrate blocks and major emphasis on getting the ball out wide then getting crosses in to the target men.He dealt with these cross balls and long balls well.He is also partnered with aerially sound centre backs like Sylvester Owino and Joshua Onyango so this also helps in thwarting the aerial balls.Kariobangi Sharks smiling all the way to the bank after cashing Tyson Otieno to Police FCIn the Gor 1-4-2-3-1 the former Nairobi City Stars man became a key cog. His good temperament, proper physical and technical qualities make him a technical and physical leader in defense.His natural feel for the game helped his side get into the rhythm of short passing combinations higher up the field and triangles on each flank to properly create.It will be interesting as to how he levels up even more on the continental stage as he has qualities that are translatable at the highest level of the sport.
