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Although his contract at Gor Mahia is approaching the final months, Owino believes good performances for Harambee Stars at both the Mapinduzi and 2024 CHAN tournaments will help him secure his club future.
As the clock ticks on his two-year stint with Gor Mahia, Sylvester Owino is looking to the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup and the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as golden opportunities to advance his dream of turning professional.
The 24-year-old defender, who has steadily risen through the ranks, believes the tournaments will provide him with the platform to showcase his growing talents on the international stage.
Owino's journey to prominence took a significant leap during the 2024 COSAFA Cup in South Africa, where his stellar performances with the Emerging Stars caught the attention of football enthusiasts. His full senior international debut followed in September against Zimbabwe, and since then, he has added two more caps to his name.
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07:20 - 01.01.2025
How Harambee Stars fared in 2024: AFCON heartbreak, lack of home support & Engin Firat's abysmal record
Harambee Stars had a 2024 to forget under the stewardship of the now-departed Engin Firat. Will 2025 be a better year for the side?
“What motivates me most is where I want to be in the near future. It is good to make steps forward after a few years and months. Where I want to be in the future is what drives me forward,” Owino shared on Tuesday.
Owino emphasized the value of international experience in enhancing his development, saying, “The more experience you get internationally, the better you become as a player. It will come in handy to push me to the next level.”
Since joining Gor Mahia, Owino has become an indispensable part of the club’s defense, helping them clinch back-to-back FKF Premier League titles. Despite strong performances in the CAF Champions League and qualification matches, he admits that offers from abroad are yet to materialize.
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13:29 - 29.11.2024
'We should stop letting fans down' - Sylvester Owino urges Harambee Stars teammates following AFCON 2025 qualifying failure
Although the side has faced a myriad of problems off the pitch that partly contributed to their failiure to qualify for AFCON 2025, the Gor Mahia defender has admitted that the players should also have shown more desire and fight.
"I haven't received any proposals yet. Maybe something will come on the table; until then, I will continue to work patiently towards such an opportunity," Owino told Mozzart Sport in an earlier interview.
Acknowledging the universal aspiration among players to turn professional, he added, “It is any player's wish to move abroad to further their careers, and certainly that is my aim now, though I am currently committed to Gor Mahia until such an appropriate moment.”
Owino is optimistic about the team’s preparations for the Mapinduzi Cup, which will kick off in Zanzibar, and the CHAN tournament. Both events, he believes, offer a chance to strengthen his skillset and gain greater exposure.
“Generally, all has been well. Preparation is at a good level and I am sure by the time the tournament is starting, everyone is ready,” Owino said.
With a squad brimming with confidence, Owino is hopeful about their chances of success. “We have a good squad. I do not think we will leave empty-handed. We are hoping for the best and I am optimistic everything will happen in our favor.”
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