Ambitious Bixente working his way to the starting team

After warming the bench for the better part of the first leg of the 2020-2021 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKPL) season, enterprising Wazito goalkeeper Bixente Otieno is eager to flip the script and cement his stay in the starting team in the second leg.

The youthful custodian has made one start this season against KCB but is banking on his individual training for the time the ban on sporting activities is alive to step up his game and eclipse his seniors.

Otieno who joined Wazito in 2019 from Makongeni Sports Association (MASA) has struggled to command sufficient playing time thanks to the competition from the experienced duo of Levis Opiyo and Peter Odhiambo.

However, the national U20, Rising Stars keeper has put the duo of notice ahead of the much awaited review of the containment measures.

Otieno says he is now accustomed to coach Francis Kimanzi's philosophy and has used the break to erase mistakes from his game.

"I have warmed the bench for quite a long time and time has come for me to muscle my way to the first team. I have taken time to learn and understand what the coach wants at the goalkeeping department. I am using the break occasioned by the presidential decree to work on my weak areas and hopefully when we restart, I will be considered for the starting roles," he said.

Otieno, who is privileged to train at MASA, an outfit appraised as an hub of goalkeeping talents said he was comparing notes with experienced shot stoppers among them is veteran Gor Mahia man Boniface Oluoch to improve his game.

The youthful goalkeeper who made his debut in the top flight last season against Kakamega Homeboyz said he is going the extra mile to not only play for Wazito but increase his chances of turning professional as well as the senior national team.

" I always seek guidance from seasoned goalkeepers whom we occasionally meet in our estate. Their direction will also play a role in fighting for the starting berth. I am also aware that the more I warm the bench, the lesser the chances of going abroad and playing for the national team," he added.