OTIENO’S LIFE AT ZEGA
“My biggest role model in the game is German and Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen. I am a strong admirer of his goalkeeping skills especially his ability to use his feet, reflexes and his height. I think I have that too,” explains ZESCO United and Kenyan international goalkeeper, Ian Otieno.
The young Kenyan international goalkeeper joined ZESCO United Football Club in January this year, from Red Arrows on a three-year deal.
Otieno joins a pack of stellar signings that ZESCO United have made in recent years.
He joins a family of Kenyans who have made Zambia their home away from home.
Since signing for ZESCO United, Otieno has become a regular on coach George Lwandamina’s starting 11 replacing veteran goalkeeper, Jacob Banda.
“I am fortunate to join this great club. I am equally fortunate that I am able to work and learn from one of Zambia’s great goalkeepers, Jacob Banda. He has been a great helper in as far as my stay is concerned at the club.”
Otieno often cuts a low profile, however he belongs to a class of emerging young talented goalkeepers on the continent.
On matchday, Otieno is a replica of former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes. A commander of his penalty box, constantly barking instructions to his defenders, especially when the team is under siege.
A key admirer and follower of Ugandan goalkeeper, Denis Onyango, Otieno hopes to one day take up the mantle to be Kenya’s number one goalkeeper.
“I have a lot of people I look up to. In Europe it’s the German Marc-André ter Stegen while in Africa its Onyango. I want to be one of the top, top goalkeepers in Africa. But I am also alive to the fact that I have to work hard at my club to get to where I want to be.”
Otieno has thus far featured 7 times for ZESCO United, keeping two clean sheets, conceding 6 goals.
However, it is his great reflexes, agility, ability to begin play from the back and his capabilities to command his defense which makes him a fan favourite.
If modern football demands that a good goalkeeper should be adept with his hands as well as becoming the 11th man in possession, Otieno is a great student.
Otieno has joined ZESCO United at a time when results have been irksome to the club’s faithful’s.
However, the young Kenyan goal minder has great belief that the FAZ/MTN Super league champions will bounce back to their glory days.
“The fans should continue to support us. It is understandable that they are not very happy with the results because ZESCO is a big team. I can rest assure them that we are still on course to return the title.”
