Former Man City manager heaps praise on Harambee Stars trialist Clarke Oduor

Former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, who is currently the head coach at Bradford City AFC, has praised Kenyan international Clarke Oduor just days to the start of the 2023/2024 EFL League Two campaign which is slated to kick off this coming weekend 5 August.

This is just two months since Oduor completed his move to the club on a three-year deal until summer of 2026 from League One side Barnsley.

Hughes, who started his managerial career on a part-time basis with Wales before other stints at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City and Southampton, praised the player’s ability and flexibility noting that he was pleased with Oduor’s display.

This is after the Harambee Stars defender bagged an assist when deployed higher up the pitch in Bradford’s 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough during the week in a preseason friendly.

“It was an opportunity to have a look at him there (advanced role) as well. He has come here because of his ability but also because of his flexibility. He can play in a number of positions.You can see Clarke’s got good quality on the ball, he is comfortable in possession and can see a pass.

“I was pleased with what he produced. I need players who have that flexibility and are able to adapt if they are asked to do a different role. He also had a great cross for Andy Cook to score,” the coach said.

Having graduated from Leeds United’s academy in 2017, Oduor, who can operate as a winger, wing-back or full-back, will be hoping for consistent game time at Bradford who just came short in their promotion quest in the 22/23 season as they were eliminated in the semifinals of the League Two playoffs by Carlisle who went all the way.

Oduor, who has featured once for the Harambee Stars was born in Siaya. The pacy wingback earned his first cap in the 2-1 win over Zambia in October 2020 in an international friendly and made a goal-line clearance to ensure victory for Harambee Stars.