Kisumu All Stars FC continued their quest for a slot in next season’s FKF Premier League with a dominant 2-0 win over Mulembe United, right in the Vihiga giants’ backyard Mumias Sports Complex.Goals on either side of the break from Noah Jagongo saw coach Charles Bruno’s men make a massive leap within the promotion-chasing pack.Unique during this Sunday contest was All Stars’ skipper for the clash. Arnold Akodhe, despite bagging a lot of minutes during the season for the team, was only wearing the armband for the first time.Odhiambo determined to surpass his father’s legacy after joining Mathare UnitedHe admits to having an immediate change of attitude towards the clash as soon as he had been tasked with leading All-Stars out of the tunnel.”If I look back, I would say it worked out well for me in my first match as captain. Mulembe are a good side with very experienced players so the assignment was huge even for me,’’ says the midfielder.”It is a good feeling. First, you know that the coach completely trusts you, and your teammates also look up to your leadership on the field. I believe it is many a player’s dream to one day lead their side.’’The regional classic, which dates as far back as 2014 between the two neighbouring teams; promised an explosive match and despite Mulembe not rising to the occasion, it is only the first leg played.The return leg in Kisumu awaits. Arnold credits their swift transition from defence to attack for the win.##NAJAVA_MECA_7862624##”We knew we had to create enough chances. So even though playing away, all we had to do was ensure that after defending, we quickly transitioned into attack and that’s how we managed to create plenty of chances,’’ says the 22-year-old who has been in the books of Kakamega side Soy United in the past.The victory takes Otenga to within four points of fourth-placed Nairobi United and just eleven below log leaders Naivas FC. Arnold is happy the weekend win helped narrow the gap.”Our target remains earning promotion into the Premier League so the win keeps us close to the top. Everyone was pleased with the performance, even our traveling fans,’’ he continues.Coach Bruno has, this week, roped in fresh additions to the squad for the second leg as he aims to steer his side to the top flight.Nehemiah Onchiri joins Kisumu All Stars on loan from Shabana Fc for the remainder of the season#Otenga pic.twitter.com/4m4qK7cPWn— OmondiWinston (@ItisWinston) February 7, 2024 Left-back Stephen Ochieng has made a return to the side from Shabana and alongside him, winger Nehemiah Onchiri also joins from Shabana. Former Vihiga Bullets goalkeeper Billy Bukhala has crossed over to Otenga and so have John Aloo (Obunga FC), Jack Ochieng (Muhoroni Youth), and Michael Otieno (Kisumu Hot Stars).All Stars travel to Cardinal Otunga to take on Gusii FC on February 12th.
