Austin Odhiambo: 7 Interesting Facts About Kenya's Rising Harambee Stars Dubbed 'Man of the Moment'

Austin Odhiambo cemented his place as one of Kenya’s finest, scoring Harambee Stars’ first two goals at the ongoing African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024).

When he first netted the first goal, in Harambee Stars' match against DR Congo, the roar of the crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, was heard beyond borders.

At the centre of that euphoria stood a young man, Austin Odhiambo, with his dreadlocks bouncing with every leap.

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He had done it for Harambee Stars and the country, scoring Kenya's first-ever CHAN goal, and in doing so, had etched his name into the annals of history.

This moment, however, was not an accident. Austin Odhiambo, the Gor Mahia maestro, has, in a matter of days, transformed from a club hero to a national icon, earning the coveted title of 'Man of the Moment.'

While his recent heroics have brought him into the national spotlight, there is much more to Austin Odhiambo than meets the eye.

Gor Mahia fans affectionately call him ‘Rolls Royce.’ This is not a tribute to wealth or extravagance, but an acknowledgement of his smooth, elegant, and controlled style of play.

Austin Odhiambo is known to glide across the pitch, seemingly effortlessly, with a silky touch and a playmaking flair that makes even the most difficult passes look simple. It is a nickname that perfectly fits his footballing philosophy.

Austin Odhiambo comes from a football family, as his older brother, Tyson Otieno, is also a professional footballer.

Their bond was forged on the Baba Dogo grounds, and Tyson Otieno has been one of Austin Odhiambo's biggest cheerleaders.

In a recent interview, Tyson Otieno spoke with immense pride about his brother’s journey, highlighting his humility and dedication to his craft. This familial support is a constant source of motivation for Austin Odhiambo.

Before his CHAN heroics, Austin Odhiambo was already making waves in the Kenya Premier League. His standout performances during the 2023-24 season saw him rightfully crowned the Kenyan Premier League's Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the FKF Gala in July 2024.

This prestigious award was a validation of his consistent excellence and an indicator of the greatness to come, and he has since confirmed his greatness.

Austin Odhiambo is one of the few players in modern Kenyan football history who has featured for both AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia and still commands the respect and admiration of both fan bases.

Austin Odhiambo caught the eye of renowned coach Boniface Ambani, who scouted him for AFC Leopards’ junior side.

It was not long before he was promoted to the senior team at just 17. His move to AFC Leopards was the first major step, but his transfer to Gor Mahia in 2021 would be the turning point.

The rivalry between the two clubs is legendary, and crossing that divide is a step few players take. However, Austin Odhiambo was not afraid of the pressure or the backlash.

His time at Gor Mahia has cemented his status as one of the premier playmakers in the Kenyan Premier League.

The goal against DR Congo in Harambee Stars' opening CHAN 2024 match was a moment of immense national pride, but for Austin Odhiambo, it was also a deeply personal one.

Austin Odhiambo has publicly dedicated his goals to his mother, acknowledging her pivotal role in his journey. The joy of his mother, captured in a viral clip of her reacting to him sending her money after a bonus, is a powerful reminder of his dedication to serving family first.

For his playmaking flair and his ability to pull off seemingly impossible passes, some fans and commentators have drawn comparisons between Austin Odhiambo and Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha.

While he is his own player, the comparison speaks volumes about the level of skill and creative genius Austin Odhiambo possesses on the field.

Austin Odhiambo’s path to the Harambee Stars wasn't straightforward. He was often overlooked by previous national team coaches.

Even under the current coach, Benni McCarthy, he faced initial challenges, missing some games due to club commitments.

However, his patience and perseverance paid off, and when his chance finally came, he seized it with both feet, proving his worth on the continental stage.

Austin Odhiambo's story is a compelling reminder that success is a journey, with his current form being a beautiful blend of talent, hard work, and unyielding belief.

Odhiambo has, in a very short time, become the heart of the national team, a player that fans look to when a moment of magic is needed.

For many, his on-field brilliance is a source of joy that is often shared in the warmth of their homes. Families huddle together, watching every dribble and every pass on a screen that brings the stadium to their living room.

A quality television is what is needed for such moments and it is for this very reason that a brand like Vision Plus is a perfect fit for the Kenyan home.

Austin Odhiambo’s journey is powered by Kenyan pride, and just as his career is a testament to what local talent can achieve on the global stage, homegrown excellence can also be celebrated in other fields, like Vision Plus, Kenya's trusted electronics brand.

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The 'Man of the Moment' has a long and promising career ahead of him, and with every match he plays, he adds another chapter to his legendary script.