Joash Onyangos rise down to hard work Zico

Former Kenyan international and KCB head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno has attributed Kenyan international and Tanzania’s Simba SC defender Joash Onyango upward trajectory to discipline and love for his job.

‘Zico’ who once coached Onyango at Gor Mahia said Onyango is a player who gives his all thus contributing to his large fan base.

‘’I can say it is discipline and hard work. Whenever he is on the pitch he knows why he is there and gives his all. He is different from many players who put pride before the performance,’’ said Zico.

In the meantime, Onyango who is leading in an online poll at 73 percent of the votes cast to determine Simba’s player of the month is tipped to win the award with a landslide.

He is trailed by Aisha Manula at 23 percent with Luiz Miquisonne at position three with just 620 votes translating to three percent.

Zico says Onyango, 28, is still strong and can go places likening him to Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who at 43 is still commanding the sticks.

‘’The problem with African media is concentration on players’ age. Most important is what the player can offer in terms of delivery. If he is still strong, he can still go places.’’

”The media in Italy doesn’t even talk about Buffon’s age. Look at what he’s doing between the sticks. He can still play for three more years.”

Onyango is a darling to many a Simba SC. He has featured prominently in the backline of Simba who are riding high in the CAF Champions League. With him at the back the Tanzanian giants are yet to concede in their group A fixtures featuring Al Ahly of Egypt, DR Congo’s Vita Club, and Sudan’s El Merrik, topping the pool with 10 points from four outings, followed by defending champions Al Ahly on seven points from as many number of matches.