During the mid-season transfer window, one of the transfers that became a talking point was that of John Otieno from FKF Premier League side Sofapaka to National Super League (NSL) outfit Nairobi United.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsIdeally, it is the dream and wish of footballers to transition from the second tier to the top tier and not vice versa. Players moving to the NSL from FKFPL have largely been motivated by finding playing time which might have been hard to come by in the latter.That was not the case with Otieno. The center back was not only a starter but also the vice captain at Batoto Ba Mungu.How Salim Babu motivated Kenya U20 winger to a goal at U20 AFCONIn an interview with Mozzart Sport, Otieno explained his uncharacteristic switch.“I chose Nairobi United because they sold me an idea of a project that I believed in. I wanted to be part of something special, and I believe we are on course to achieving that,” said Otieno.With his profile and experience, he was immediately named as the captain of Naibois who were keen to tap on his experience, a role he shared intrigues about.##NAJAVA_MECA_8931520##“I want to thank the coaches and management for the trust they bestowed on me and appointed me captain. I largely use my experience to motivate and push the players who maybe have not had the experience that I have had, and ensure that the team is focused on the main goal- promotion to the FKFPL,” he added.The Nicholas Muyoti-coached side are at the summit of the NSL table and in the quarter finals of the Mozzart Bet Cup, a testament of the goodness of the team. Otieno shared their approach to the two demanding competitions.“Of course the main objective of the team is to gain promotion to the FKFPL and win the NSL title, but we are also not in the Mozzart Bet Cup by chance; we are here to compete. The secret is just taking one game at a time, and as a final, then see how it goes at the end of the season,” he revealed.FC Talanta coach weighs in on Osoro’s next move amid transfer offersIn the Mozzart Bet Cup, Naibois have been the giant killers, having eliminated Tusker, KCB, and Kakamega Homeboyz respectively on their way to the semi-finals, and Otieno opened up on the impact of those wins on the team.“Having eliminated top teams in the cup, it gives the players morale and self-belief that helps in handling crucial matches,” he concluded.
