Harambee Stars forward reveals what makes Gor Mahia’s Austine Odhiambo special

Tusker forward Ryan Ogam has heaped praise on fellow Harambee Stars teammate and Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo.

Harambee Stars forward Ryan Ogam has heaped praise on Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo, highlighting his exceptional qualities that make him a joy to play alongside.

The Tusker FC striker described Odhiambo as the best player he has ever shared the pitch with, having donned the Kenya national football team colors together.

Ogam’s rise to the national team came in October 2024 when then-head coach Engin Firat handed him his breakthrough call-up for Kenya’s return leg against South Sudan in the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.

However, it was under former interim coach Francis Kimanzi during the 2025 Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar that Ogam truly stamped his authority in the national team setup.

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The prolific Tusker FC forward made an immediate impact during the tournament, scoring his maiden goal for Harambee Stars in Kenya’s 2-0 victory over Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Stars.

Although the Stars were eliminated in the group stages, the tournament, initially intended as a build-up for CHAN 2024, served as an important platform for Ogam to showcase his talent. The competition was later postponed from February to August.

In a recent interview on the Crafting Stars podcast, Ogam showered praise on Odhiambo, describing him as the most intelligent player he has ever played with.

“Austine when we played for the national team,” Ogam responded when asked about the best player he has played with.

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“He is a very intelligent player. Austine, I can say, his understanding of the game makes him the best to play with. He is always on.”

“As long as he lifts his head up and spots you, all you have to do is make the run, and he will find you,” he added.

Both Ogam and Odhiambo have been in scintillating form for their respective clubs.

Incoming Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy will get to work with the man he had selected as assistant after his current cut ties with him.

Ogam leads the FKF Premier League’s goal-scoring charts with 15 goals, while Odhiambo has been a key figure for Gor Mahia, topping their scoring charts with six goals.

Their impressive performances will be crucial as they aim to cement their places in the national team under newly appointed coach Benni McCarthy.

With crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers set for March and the rescheduled CHAN tournament in August, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the duo will be looking to make a significant impact on the international stage.

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