Austin Odhiambo has resumed training with Gor Mahia ahead of Sunday’s CAF Champions League preliminary first-round tie against Al Merreikh FC of South Sudan in Juba.The wantaway midfielder had been absent from Gor Mahia’s training sessions for weeks as he sought a move away from the club. There were reports of interest from Gent of Belgium and several other clubs within the continent, but nothing has materialized so far.##NAJAVA_MECA_8269443##During his absence, Odhiambo missed the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Tanzania, where Gor Mahia exited at the group stage. He also missed two recent friendly matches against Fountain Gate in Tanzania.His prolonged absence was causing concerns within the club’s hierarchy, and disciplinary action against the player, who has just over a year left on his contract, was being considered.However, that may now be shelved as Odhiambo, who has been included in the travelling squad to Juba, returned to training on Wednesday morning and was seen training with the rest of Leonardo Neiva’s squad in preparation for Sunday’s first-leg showdown. The aggregate winner will face champions Al Ahly in the second round.Back to the Training Camp 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/HDACK82y1w— Gor Mahia FC Ke (@gormahiafcke) August 14, 2024 Odhiambo was the standout performer during Kenya’s participation in the COSAFA Cup in South Africa, despite their group stage exit. In an interview after returning to Kenya, he revealed that he had received offers from clubs outside the country.“It was a good tournament for me, although I would have loved to see the team progress to the final and even win it. After our last game, more teams contacted me. It didn’t come as a surprise since the matches were live, and I felt I expressed myself well,” he told SportsBoom.com.Kibwage opens up on Harambee Stars prospects after 3-year breakReflecting on the 2024–25 season, the former AFC Leopards man admitted that it was his best season, as he scored 12 goals, provided 13 assists, and was ultimately named Player of the Season during the FKF Premier League Awards Gala.“It was the best season I have ever had. I enjoyed doing what I love most. I was a regular goal scorer and helped the team defend the league title with three matches to spare. I also played for the senior national team and registered an assist in my first game,” he added.As Austin returns, the man who scored most of his assists last season, Benson Omala, is out of the team, having officially joined Lebanese side Safa Sporting. This move has sparked debate within the country due to Lebanon’s current political instability caused by Hezbollah’s conflict with Israel. Omala won the league’s Golden Boot last season after scoring 19 goals.Kenyan international Athuman set for return to Spanish club Real Murcia
