Kenyan defender Frank Odhiambo has cited the long-standing admiration that, Swedish second-tier club IF Karlstad had for him as the major reason for his loan transfer from Djurgarden to the club. Odhiambo joined Karlstad on Friday marking his fourth loan move since setting foot in Sweden in January 2022 from record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia. The central defender joined Djurgarden on a five-year deal from Gor, but despite his promising talent, Odhiambo is still waiting for his first appearance in the Swedish top-tier with Djurgarden. To mould him for life in the top division, Djurgarden loaned him to IFK Haninge and would later sent him to Vasalund IF, on similar terms, to gain more experience. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8779943##Last season, Odhiambo was loaned to third-tier club AFC Eskilstuna along with his compatriot Henry Meja, whose parent club is former champions AIK. Odhiambo revealed that Karlstad have been in touch with him since last year, after the club was impressed with his performances at Eskilstuna. He says he was not surprised when the outfit made the move, as they had persistently inquired about his availability with his agent. This is not the first time Karlstad are acquiring the services of a Kenyan defender, having signed former Tusker centre back Eugene Asike in April 2022.”Karlstad began making enquiries and presented their project to me from last year. When they made a formal request to sign me on loan, I could not turn their offer down,” revealed Odhiambo in a telephone interview. Former Gor Mahia defender switches clubs in SwedenThe allure of securing consistent playing time, also enticed the towering centre back to join the club, having been informed that he would play second fiddle to his seniors at Djurgarden. Odhiambo disclosed that Djurgarden coaches were frank with him over his chances of getting minutes at the top tier and advised him to take the Karlstad deal. “Coaches at Djurgarden advised me to take the deal as they had already set up their team of the season and had their preferred central defence pairing. I had the option of remaining behind and fighting for my place, but in the interest of my development and playing time, I had to take the Karlstad deal,”he said. Why Mohammed Bajaber foresees ‘bright future’ under Benni McCarthyThe Bongonaya Academy product also listed helping the club gain promotion to the top-tier as a reason for his latest transfer. “The team has the ambition of playing at the top level next season. I felt it was wise to contribute to their promotion, as it will enrich my profile as well,” he stated. Meanwhile, boosting chances of securing a return ticket to the Harambee Stars was also a factor Odhiambo considered before making up his mind.Prior to his move to Sweden, Odhiambo had began knocking on the Stars door, securing call ups under former coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, but he did not garner playing time. TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Kakamega Homeboyz’s four main attacking movesHe had, however, featured for both the national U20 and 23 teams in CECAFA assignments played in Tanzania and Ethiopia in 2020 and 2021 respectively.”I really wish to return to the senior national team. I had earned call ups before coming to Sweden, but things did not work out as planned. I hope consistent playing time will open the door for my belated Stars debut,” he added.
