Young Mathare defender eager to emulate legend Edgar "Fighter" Ochieng

Towering Mathare United centre back Victor Odhiambo has expressed his desire to emulate and fill in the large shoes left by the club's legend and former Kenyan international Edgar 'Fighter' Ochieng. 

Odhiambo who is in his debut season both at the club and in the league has been the constant figure in the backline although his presence has done little in preventing them from conceding 42 goals, the most by any team in the competition.

The 22-year old opened up about his admiration for Fighter who was among the revered golden generation of players at Mathare that won the league in 2008 and walked to the national team in large numbers. 

Since Fighter's exit in 2009, Mathare have struggled to churn out his successor but one Odhiambo is daring to dream despite admitting that he lacks the requisite top flight experience. 

Mathare acquired the defender from Siaya lower-tier side Urasi FC and threw him into the deep end by making him the constant figure in the heart of the defence where he has been partnering with either Harun Junior or Anthony Odinga. 

"I have a feeling that I will soar to the heights that Fighter reached at Mathare. His achievements at the club and the footprints he left are just enviable. I will continue working hard first to gain more experience in the league and later to replicate what my role model did at the club, " he said. 

Odhiambo who lauded the handful of Mathare legends and other Kenyan internationals who have been trooping to the Goan Institute grounds to motivate the playing unit urged Fighter to find time and grace the training sessions. 

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" A good number of former players have been talking and encouraging the players to fight for the team. It goes without saying that the club is loved out there and no one wishes to see it sink to the lower tiers. I am hoping that Fighter will visit us one day, " he said. 

Meanwhile, the defender, who has also previously featured for Kenpoly FC, backed the team to survive relegation despite the growing fears. Mathare are set to host Nzoia Sugar this afternoon at the Kasarani Annex.