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Harambee Stars midfielder Richard Odada faces extensive travel for upcoming international games after joining Dundee United on a two-year deal.
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has raised concerns about the grueling travel schedule facing midfielder Richard Odada during the upcoming international break.
Despite acknowledging the benefits Goodwin described the situation as "not ideal" given the significant distances involved.
Odada, who joined Dundee United from MLS side Philadelphia Union earlier this month, is set to jet into the country for Kenya's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe on September 4.
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The clash will be followed by another trip to face Namibia on September 10. The back-to-back international fixtures pose a logistical challenge and a physical demand on the player.
“The travelling is not ideal, but Richard hasn’t really featured much for us yet," Goodwin explained as per Courier.
“So, he probably would benefit from the camp, and to go away and get a couple of games under his belt."
Goodwin, who has been focused on gradually building Odada’s fitness since his arrival at the club expressed his intention to carefully manage the player's workload upon his return.
“It is a hell of a distance he needs to go, and there is even a significant distance travelling between the two games. We will need to manage him when he comes back," he stated.
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Despite the logistical concerns, the Dundee United boss sees the upside in Odada's participation in the international fixtures, especially considering his limited playtime at the club level.
With just 13 minutes of competitive football for United so far the international break offers a valuable opportunity for Odada to gain match fitness and contribute significantly to his national team.
“But he could do with the game time and, given he has been important for the Kenyan national team in recent games, it will do him no harm, at all,” Goodwin added.
Odada’s role in the Kenyan national team has been pivotal, and his performances in international colors have not gone unnoticed.
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12:45 - 27.08.2024
Okumu, Odada, Olunga headline Engin Firat's Harambee Stars squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers
Engin Firat has named Harambee Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers excluding Ayub Timbe and Daniel Anyembe
His involvement is seen as crucial for Kenya's aspirations in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
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