Gor maestro Austin Odhiambo receives Sh97million offer from Belgian club after CHAN exploits
With Kenya on the verge of qualifying for the quarter finals, Odhiambo is likely to score more goals elevating his status as the fans' darling and attracting more lucrative offers
Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo, who has been a revelation at the ongoing 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament with two goals in the first two matches, has attracted interest from Belgian club Royal Charleroi Sporting Club, which is willing to part with over Sh97 million (US$750,000) for his signature.
In a letter to Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier, dated August 10, which The Informer has seen, the club says Odhiambo has impressed its technical team and they are prepared to offer the money for his transfer with all discussions concluded in accordance with FIFA and CAF regulations and in accordance with Gor’s contractual rights.
Though he sat out of the historic 1-0 defeat of fancied Morocco, Odhiambo scored a sensational goal to defeat DR Congo’s Leopards before following up with a penalty that secured a hard fought win against Angola in a match that Harambee Stars played with 10 men for 70 minutes.
With Kenya on the verge of qualifying for the quarter finals, Odhiambo is likely to score more goals elevating his status as the fans’ darling and attracting more lucrative offers.
Last year, Odhiambo was heavily linked with a move to Belgian giants KAA Gent.
Harambee Stars are set to play against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Sunday with a win ensuring they top Group A with 10 points.
With feet as silky as his passing range is sharp, Odhiambo has become the beating heart of Gor Mahia’s midfield—and now, he’s writing his name into the history books with the Harambee Stars.
Nicknamed “Rolls Royce” by adoring Gor Mahia fans for his smoothness and control, and even hailed by some as the “Kenyan JJ Okocha”, Odhiambo is a player who excites, entices, and elevates.
Despite his obvious talent, Odhiambo’s path to national team recognition has been rocky.
Under former coach Engin Firat, he was often overlooked. Even with new boss Benni McCarthy, Odhiambo missed the first two matches due to club commitments and the coach’s preference for players he had assessed in training.
But now, with his chance finally here, Odhiambo is grabbing it with both feet.
“It’s been an unbelievable journey filled with ups and downs. But I always say with time, everything aligns. Coach Benni has shown great trust in us, and that’s important. We just have to take our chances,” he told cafonline.com in an interview after the Kenya vs DR Congo match.
It’s not just the coaching staff that believes in him. Odhiambo is one of the rare players to have featured for both of Kenya’s fierce rivals—AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia—and yet commands respect and love from both fanbases.
In fact, he might be the only player in the country who has banners, chants, and songs dedicated to him from both sides of the divide.
“It’s amazing to have that kind of love,” he beams.
“But it comes with pressure too. You always want to perform and not disappoint. The fans give you that extra push. It’s a privilege I truly appreciate.”
Now firmly in the spotlight, Odhiambo’s sights are set on something even greater—bringing CHAN glory to Kenya.
“We’re united as a team. We’re at home, and the fans are behind us. That’s the energy we need to push all the way to the final. One game at a time, we believe we can go all the way.”
– Additional reporting by cafonline.com
