Has Muluya found Sakari's replacement in Omondi?

Kariobangi Sharks head coach, William Muluya, thought he had fished out the most lethal rookie, back in 2018, when he acquired the services of John Omondi while he was still a student at Emanani Secondary School, Kakamega County.

Sharks signed Omondi, who by then was banging in goals for fun in school games, and would formally join the club the following year after he wrote his final exams.

The congestion and talent in the Sharks' forward line, coupled with the lack of top-flight experience, saw the forward confined to the substitutes' bench for the better part of his early days at the club.

MVP and 'Golden Boot' winner Erick Kapaito, Ugandan Peter Lwasa, and former national U20 striker Sydney Lokale all offered the youngster competition for game time.

However, a change of mind and approach by Muluya handed Omondi a lifeline in his career this season, as he has since transformed him from a bench warmer to the club's first choice right back.

Muluya, who was left scratching his head after his lieutenant Daniel Sakari ditched the club for Tusker last year, was set to trust national U20 right back Fredrick Alushula to fill in Sakari's shoes, with skipper Eric Juma offering support. 

However, the Harambee Stars assistant coach surprisingly converted Omondi to a defender who has missed only two league matches this season.

Omondi says the move by the bench to move him from the forward line to the second line of defence allowed him he had been longing for to showcase his talent at the top flight.

"It took me time to adapt to life at the rear, but the support from the rest of the defenders and the coach came in handy. I really wanted to play consistently when I arrived at the club, but unfortunately, other forwards were on form and I had to warm the bench," he said.

Asked on how he has managed to cope with the right back roles, the youthful player credited Sakari for sharing tips, which he has complemented through watching videos on YouTube.

"Sakari is a close friend who has been advising me on how to defend and positioning. Apart from his counsel, I have been watching videos just to learn more. I am liking the challenge and will continue to serve the team wherever the coach wants me to," he said.

Omondi, in the meantime, says he still has hopes of becoming the forward he wanted and even turning professional in the future.