Glen Otunga Masava’s 2024/25 campaign with Kakamega Homeboyz stands as one of the clearest examples of a player finding his niche in a tactical system designed to maximise his strengths.Having joined the club from the then third-tier side MOFA FC during the 2023/24 FKF Premier League mid-season transfer window, the former Kisumu Day standout has rapidly transitioned from an unproven recruit to an indispensable part of Homeboyz’s midfield.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsMasava finished the season with four goals and three assists, a solid return for a central midfielder, but the raw stats only tell part of the story.His contributions went far beyond direct goal involvement, rooted in his role evolution, tactical discipline, and technical skillset.Why winning Mozzart Bet Cup with Nairobi United feels like a first for KaramorTactical Context: From misfit CAM to Box to Box DynamoWhen Masava first arrived at Kakamega Homeboyz, the then-head coach Patrick Odhiambo deployed him primarily as a central attacking midfielder (CAM) in 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 systems. This role constrained Masava’s natural tendencies.He struggled with receiving under tight pressure between the lines, lacking the turn and drive explosiveness typical of high-level CAMs.His best qualities, such as deep build-up involvement, spatial awareness to arrive late in attacking zones, and tempo-setting passing, were underutilised.##NAJAVA_MECA_9000958##Even under Ken Kenyatta’s tenure, with similar attacking midfield deployments, they failed to unlock Masava.It was not until Francis Baraza’s arrival that Masava truly blossomed. The former Kenya Police FC head coach shifted the team to a 3-5-2 with a defined double pivot and an advanced attacking midfielder.##NAJAVA_MECA_9002684##In this setup, Masava formed an effective partnership with Eston Omengo Esiye. Omengo sat deepest, screening the back three and recycling possession, while Masava was given the freedom to be the high-energy box-to-box outlet.The tactical balance was clear. Omengo’s positional discipline freed Masava to make vertical movements, connect defense to attack, and arrive in advanced areas with impeccable timing.Masava started all 32 of Baraza’s matches in charge, a testament to his consistency and tactical importance.Role in build-up and possessionHarambee Stars to feature in build up tournament ahead of CHANA hallmark of Homeboyz’ play under Baraza was the frequent use of switch balls and expansive build-up to stretch the opponent’s shape. Masava was crucial in this approach.He excels at finding pockets between opposition midfield lines to receive on the half-turn. His scanning before receiving ensures he rarely gets caught by pressing traps.His medium and long-range passing is one of his defining qualities. He is comfortable hitting diagonal switches to the wing-backs or wide forwards, helping Homeboyz shift play quickly to the weak side.Masava is also adept at carrying the ball forward in transition. While not the most explosive dribbler, he relies on close control, body feints, and timing to beat initial pressure and advance the ball. These qualities helped Homeboyz maintain a high-possession style when needed while remaining dangerous in transition moments.Gor Mahia set for squad overhaul after trophy-less seasonPhysical output and defensive workMasava’s role as the runner in the double pivot demanded significant athletic output. He consistently covered ground, supporting wide areas in defensive transitions and tracking runners into his own box.His stamina and work rate were among the best at Homeboyz. He rarely flagged in intensity. His discipline in tracking back helped maintain Homeboyz’s compact shape in defensive phases.##NAJAVA_MECA_9002219##However, his defensive profile is an area for improvement. While he positions himself well and presses responsibly, he can be less aggressive in tackles and one-on-one duels.He tends to shadow opponents rather than committing to strong challenges, which at times allows ball-carriers to progress too easily. A more proactive defensive approach could elevate his profile as a true all-action midfielder.Final Third Impact: Late runs and finishing techniqueWhat truly sets Masava apart is his clever timing of late runs into the box. He is not just a facilitator; he is a legitimate goal threat from midfield.Government completes Ksh6.7 billion renovation of Kasarani Stadium [VIDEO]Masava’s understanding of space is exceptional. He senses when to arrive at the top of the box unmarked while defenders are preoccupied with forwards.His movement is deliberately delayed to catch defensive lines reacting to the initial ball. He boasts an excellent first touch and a clean, controlled shooting form, particularly on his dominant right foot.Two goals this season exemplify these traits. Against Shabana FC, he read the goalkeeper’s punch perfectly, cushioning the ball with the inside of his foot before finishing with composure.Versus Nairobi City Stars, he positioned himself in the ball’s path from Kevin Juma’s clearance, controlling with his first touch and firing home with the second. In both cases, his anticipation and technical quality gave him the time and space to execute.AFC Leopards should borrow from Athletics Kenya to reclaim glory-MP WanyonyiRoom for developmentWhile Masava’s breakout season has rightly drawn praise, he is not the finished article yet. Key areas for growth include his defensive aggression. He needs to develop more bite in duels to become a complete box-to-box midfielder.He can also work on his press resistance. While he is tidy on the ball, adding more turns and quick releases under tight pressure would help against high-pressing opponents.Improving his final pass is another area to target. His assist tally shows promise, but further refining his vision and weight of through-balls could see him become a more consistent creator.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐀𝐏Glen Masava Otunga scored his maiden goal for the club and FKF-PL in a sublime fashion since joining the club ten months ago in February steering the club to an empathetic 2-0 victory over Shabana FC.🔥#AbanaBeingo pic.twitter.com/0op2P4R3qg— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) December 31, 2024 Masava’s first full FKF Premier League season with Kakamega Homeboyz is a success story of tactical adaptation and individual development.Moving from a miscast attacking role to a tailor-made box-to-box position under Baraza, he became the linchpin of Homeboyz’s midfield balance.If he can refine his defensive aggression and continue to build his playmaking output, he has the potential to become one of the league’s standout midfielders for years to come.For now, Kakamega Homeboyz will count themselves lucky to have discovered a tireless, tactically intelligent midfielder capable of scoring, creating, and linking every phase of play, a true modern box-to-box engine.
