Austin Odongo: Shabana Pressure Has Mentally Prepared Me for CHAN 2024 with Harambee Stars

Austin Odongo has explained how becoming accustomed to playing in front of large, demanding crowds for Shabana FC has helped prepare him mentally for the challenge of representing the Harambee Stars at the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.

The 19-year-old forward, affectionately nicknamed “Lastborn”, was a late addition to Kenya’s CHAN squad after coach Benni McCarthy made sweeping changes in response to a disappointing friendly loss against Kariobangi Combined last week.

 With the tournament fast approaching, Odongo is now in line to compete for a starting position up front alongside more established names like Felix Oluoch, Ryan Ogam, and potentially Masoud Juma.

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Speaking to the media from the Nyayo National Stadium, Odongo appeared calm and confident as he shared his thoughts on the call-up and how he is adjusting to life within the national team.

“I am grateful to God for this opportunity. Training is fantastic and the coach is very transformative. I have found these players very friendly to work with,” Odongo told reporters.

Despite being the only Shabana FC player named in the squad, Odongo insists he is not overawed. He credits his grounding at grassroots and youth levels—having come through the ranks at Ebwali Boys and the Talanta Hela U19 side—for equipping him with the flexibility and maturity to blend in seamlessly at the top level.

“As a footballer, you have to be able to adapt to your teammates despite coming from different teams. I got a chance to represent my country and I will give it my all.”

Odongo's rise to prominence this season has been nothing short of remarkable. After coming off the bench to score in his first top-flight appearance against KCB in December, he hit a rich vein of form, netting five goals in just three matches, a feat that quickly made him a fan favorite. 

His goal celebrations and youthful exuberance gave birth to his “Lastborn” moniker—a nod to both his age and his cheeky on-field persona.

That hot streak, coinciding with Shabana’s revival under coach Peter Okidi, saw the club string together a run of strong performances. 

The Gusii Stadium became a cauldron of passion and intensity, with thousands of fans showing up weekly—an environment Odongo says has toughened him mentally and emotionally.

“We have a lot of pressure and expectations from the fans. If you let them get to your head, you cannot focus on your football. For me, I chose to focus on my game and let it not affect me, and I think it will set me up well for this tournament,” he explained.

“They have helped me a lot. If I make mistakes, they make sure to point them out and it is helping me improve as a football player. I have had to learn quickly.”

Odongo concluded his debut season in the top flight with seven goals, emerging as one of the most promising young forwards in the Kenya Premier League. His physical presence, intelligent movement, and ability to rise to the occasion in big matches have made him a standout name.

As Kenya prepares for a competitive Group A campaign in CHAN 2024, Odongo is focused on bringing his Shabana momentum to the national stage. The pressure will be higher, the spotlight brighter, but the youngster believes he has already been tested in the fire.

“I got a chance to represent my country and I will give it my all,” he repeated firmly, a clear signal of his intent to make the most of this opportunity.

Kenya will kick off its CHAN 2024 journey in front of an expectant home crowd, and Odongo hopes to rise to the occasion once more—just as he did when the lights first shone on him in December at KCB.