Austine Odhiambo Exclusive: Gor Mahia Heartbreak, Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 dreams, ‘Different’ Benni McCarthy

Harambee Stars midfielder Austine Odhiambo opens up on his Gor Mahia setback, ambitions for CHAN 2024, and why he believes the national team is privileged to be coached by Benni McCarthy.

As Harambee Stars midfielder Austine Odhiambo prepares to represent Kenya in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to be hosted on home soil for the first time, he does so with a renewed sense of maturity and purpose. 

Much of that, he says, is thanks to national team head coach Benni McCarthy.

Odhiambo has grown significantly over the last three years at Gor Mahia, where his performances culminated in him being crowned FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2023/24 season. 

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That rise fulfilled a prophecy made by former coach Johnathan McKinstry in 2023, who once said Odhiambo could shed his “bad-boy” label and become “the best player in Kenya.”

His eventual call-up to the national team was always inevitable. After a public spat with former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat, who criticised him in March 2024 for skipping international duty in the previous year, Odhiambo finally made his long-awaited debut against Burundi—and has not looked back since.

However, it is under Benni McCarthy that the midfielder  feels he has taken the biggest leap.

“He is a very good coach,” Odhiambo told Pulse Sports in an exclusive interview. “We are very lucky to have him around. It’s a huge privilege to be learning from him every day.”

A lifelong Manchester United fan, Odhiambo described working with the club’s former assistant manager as an unforgettable experience.

“He has shown us a different way of playing football—not the way we are used to handling things locally. So, it’s a privilege to work under him.”

CHAN 2024 Dreams

Kenya will play all their Group A matches at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, but they face a tough group featuring DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. Still, Odhiambo remains confident.

“Playing those games is ideal as a player because you get to show what you can do. They’re worthy opponents—these are matches you want to be part of and even watch. I can’t wait.”

Known for his verticality, ability to break lines, and threat from both open play and set pieces, Odhiambo was even linked with a move to Belgian side AA Gent in early 2024. Reflecting on his growing influence, he shared what playing internationally has taught him.

“There’s a huge difference between playing internationally and locally. You have to understand the game on a deeper level. The dynamic is different—you can’t afford to slip up.”

Despite a stellar individual season—10 league goals and multiple assists—Odhiambo will head into CHAN 2024 fresh off a disappointing year with Gor Mahia, who finished trophyless for the first time since 2022. That pain, he says, fuels his motivation for CHAN.

“It’s a difficult time for Gor Mahia. I’ve still not recovered from that heartbreak. Our goal now is to make every Kenyan happy—including Gor Mahia fans.”

With expectations high, he knows the pressure is real—but so is the support, thanks to his experience playing in front of large crowds regularly as a Gor Mahia player.

“Pressure exists in football. Representing the country on home soil makes it even harder. But playing for Gor Mahia has taught me how to deal with pressure.

Odhiambo concluded with a rallying plea to all Kenyan fans: “We need fans as our 12th men. We need their support.”