Bryton Onyona: Who is Gor Mahia’s ‘European-Type’ Youngster That Received Late Harambee Stars Call-Up?

Gor Mahia defender Bryton Onyona was handed a maiden Harambee Stars call-up for upcoming friendlies and here is all you need to know about the 20-year-old.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy’s faith in youth has been unwavering since he took over the national team job and the latest addition to his squad is Gor Mahia’s Bryton Onyona.

Onyona, alongside Gor Mahia teammate Shariff Musa and Nairobi United left-back Kevin Otiende, were the late inclusions into the Harambee Stars squad for friendly matches against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal this month.

It is the first senior team call-up for the 20-year-old Gor Mahia left-back, a massive statement of faith and a confirmation of his immense talent.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

However, not many know about Onyona unless they are of K’Ogalo persuasion, begging the question who is the youngster in line for his maiden Harambee Stars appearance?

Chapa Dimba MVP

Born on June 24, 2005, Bryton Onyona caught the eye during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament last season when he impressed and was named the Kisumu County Most Valuable Player (MVP).

His starring role in the tournament earned him a place in the Chapa Dimba All-Stars Team that toured Spain in December 2024, with his standout performance granting him a scholarship from Safaricom.

Before his Chapa Dimba heroics, Onyona had featured for Kotiang’a United FC, having come through the ranks at Oriwo High School, both in Homa bay County.

Gor Mahia Youth

It is after his impressive run at Chapa Dimba that Gor Mahia Youth signed the full-back, stocking themselves up for the future, before he was loaned out to Obunga FC.

Gor Mahia Senior Team Promotion

However, Bryton Onyona would soon come back and by February this year, he had done enough to be promoted to the senior team and has not looked back since.

In a left-back position that has competition from the experienced Geofrrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng, Onyana has held his own and had man of the match performances in the few games he played last season, extending it to this term.

One of the highlights of his performance was his man of the match display in he FKF Cup quarter-final as Gor Mahia beat Kariobangi Sharks 2-0, earning him Ksh100,000 from tournament sponsors Mozzart Bet.

Coach Charles Akonnor has trusted him with more gametime this season and has reaped the rewards of the fearless attack-minded full-back.

Highly Talented and Versatile

So good is Bryton Onyona that he can not only operate at left-back but also play at right-back and sometimes in midfield.

That versatility makes him an asset as he can provide competition for his favoured position and cover for injuries or suspensions in other areas.

‘European-Type Left Back’ as Per His Coach

Bryton Onyona has been described as a “typical European left-back” by his Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor and it is not hard to understand why.

He plays with intensity, bombing up and down the flank tirelessly, defending with grit, attacking with flair and has become a handful for opponents. Onyona is also not afraid to take risks in his bid to provide his team with creativity and width.

“He has given the other guys a lot of competition and we want him to continue. He is one of the brightest players in the team yet he is a very young boy. What he has done so far is nice to watch. He is believing in himself and we hope for the best for him,” Akonnor told SportPesa Blog over the 20-year-old.

Great Football Talent and Bright Student

Bryton Onyona is one of those who have suppressed the perception that footballers are mostly average of failed students as he has performed well in academics as well.

The full-back excelled in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams and earned admission at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology to pursue a degree in Actuarial Science.

What Does the Future Hold for Onyona?

With all the qualities, Bryton Onyona is certainly headed for greatness and as he looks to make his Gor Mahi left-back spot his own, he now has an opportunity to do the same in the national team, having been handed his maiden call-up.

As coach Benni McCarthy begins early preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Onyona could be among those who will form the core of his team, if the defender can grab his opportunities.