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Odhiambo, who was named the 2023/2024 FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player, has revealed what representing harambee Stars means for him
Gor Mahia’s midfield maestro, Austin Odhiambo, has opened up about his experience representing Kenya's national team, Harambee Stars, following his recent rise to prominence on the international stage.
The 2023/2024 season's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the Kenyan Premier League has earned two caps for the senior side since making his debut in June and has become a key figure in Kenya's midfield setup.
Odhiambo made his international debut during Harambee Stars’ 1-1 draw against Burundi in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
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FKFPL Analysis : How Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo proved too hot for City Stars to handle
Gor Mahia beat City Stars 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Benson Omala, but this is why Austin Odhiambo was the man that really won them that battle.
The Gor Mahia star quickly made an impact, delivering a defence-splitting pass that assisted Duke Abuya in scoring. His impressive debut earned him more opportunities to shine, particularly during the COSAFA Cup in South Africa, where he played a vital role in Kenya's campaign.
During the tournament, Odhiambo scored twice and provided an assist, securing his first start in Kenya’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Zimbabwe, where the midfielder featured for 90 minutes on the left wing in a 0-0 draw.
Reflecting on his international experiences, Odhiambo expressed his pride in representing Harambee Stars, describing it as a significant honour. "It is a privilege for any player to be called up for the national team," Odhiambo shared during an appearance on the Tiki Taka show.
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The 28-year-old is at a career crossroad and is torn between continuing with playing or hanging up his boots altogether.
"There are many players who dream of playing for the side, but only a few get selected. It is always a dream come true and a privilege."
Having been named MVP and recorded an impressive 12 goals and seven assists in the 2023/2024 season, Odhiambo is now recovering ahead of a busy schedule, which includes qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN).
“Despite his success, Odhiambo’s journey with the national team has not been without its challenges. Earlier in 2023, he faced criticism from Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat for missing international duty against South Sudan, after being left out of the squad for a friendly match against Qatar. However, the player insists that their relationship has since improved.
When asked about his relationship with Firat and the difference between club and international football, Odhiambo was pragmatic in his response. "I feel the coach is the most important decision maker. He has his philosophy, and he is the one who decides who he feels suits his playing style better."
Odhiambo acknowledged the contrast between playing for a club and representing the national team. "Club football is different from international football. We play every three or four months, or maybe once a month, while at club level, it’s different," he explained. "I respect the coach’s decisions and will be happy to step up if needed."
On his first international start, Odhiambo reflected with a sense of achievement and disappointment.
"It was my first start, and I played 90 minutes that day. I felt fantastic," he noted. However, the draw left him frustrated. "I felt disappointed because when the game ended 0-0, as a creative or attacking player, you do not want that. We wanted to win, so it was a big letdown that we never won as we had offensive players."
Meanwhile, the midfielder, who was part of the Gor Mahia side that got thrashed 6-0 on aggregate by Al Ahly also spoke on the state of football in Kenya, calling for greater investment in the sport.
"It starts from the top. The government should take football more seriously. If they do, the pitches will get better, and our league will improve. The government should view the game as a revenue-generating sport," he said, adding, "When we went there [to Egypt ], you could see the gulf in professionalism between both countries."
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