Mercurial Gor Mahia FC attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo said he has resolved his differences with Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat.
While confirming they had already buried the hatchet, Odhiambo expressed interest in earning a call-up to the national team shortly, stating his aspirations to help steer the nation to unprecedented heights.
"I aim to play for the national team in the future. I'll continue working hard to wear the national colours because it is every player's dream to do so at some point in their career," Odhiambo remarked.
"We've already resolved our differences with coach Firat and I believe I'll be allowed to feature for the national team if I'm good enough to receive a call-up," he added.
His remarks come in the wake of a public uproar instigated by his exclusion from the Kenyan contingent that made a trip to Malawi for the Four Nations tournament last month.
In an earlier interview, coach Firat explained that he had blacklisted the player following a previous case of indiscipline.
Firat restated his prior demands for discipline from the players, emphasizing that cooperation and a common goal must always take precedence over individual desires.
The Turkish coach went on to explain that some players were left off the team because they didn't show the team spirit that was needed.
"Some players were left off the roster since it takes each team member to form a unified outfit. Regardless of their status, I am forced to let them go when they put their interests ahead of the team," the coach said.
The tactician underlined the importance of unity for a team like Kenya, which might not boast the depth of quality found in African giants like Senegal.
"As a football coach in a country like Kenya, building togetherness is crucial. In contrast to Senegal, where top European clubs easily supply talent, we have difficulty putting together our team and must therefore ensure we work as a team to achieve positive results in our matches," he continued.
Meanwhile, Odhiambo has implored K'Ogalo's passionate fanbase to relentlessly rally behind the club.
"This is the time we need them the most and I urge them to continue turning up in large numbers so that they can roar us on to our 21st Kenyan Premier League title," Odhiambo stated.
