From Schoolbooks to Stadium Lights: Odongo ready to shine for Kenya at CHAN 2024
Just a year ago, Austin Odongo was sitting national exams in Homabay County. Now, the 19-year-old is preparing to line up for Kenya at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, marking a remarkable rise from schoolboy footballer to national team prospect.
Odongo is not just one of the youngest players at the tournament — he is also one of the most intriguing stories.
The midfielder, who recently completed Form Four (the final year of secondary school in Kenya), has been named in the final 25-man Harambee Stars squad for CHAN — a competition that exclusively features players from domestic leagues.
And he has done it after just one season in top-flight football.
“I was really delighted when I received the call-up. It was a great reward after a good first season with Shabana,” Odongo told CafOnline.com.
“I felt really motivated even to know that the coach thought about me and I could provide solutions to his striking force. I am looking forward to this opportunity and to give my all for the team if given a chance.”
From Youth Captain to Kenya Premier League Standout
Odongo’s breakthrough came during a Youth tournament organised by the Ministry of Sports, where he captained Homabay County to the title and caught the eye of scouts.
Offers followed from various Kenyan Premier League clubs, but he chose Shabana FC, a fan-favourite side steeped in history, for his debut campaign.
He didn’t disappoint — scoring seven goals and registering two assists in just the second leg of the season.
“It was a really great experience of learning at Shabana. There was a lot to do in my debut in the Premier League and I am delighted with how I performed,” he said.
“It was great that I managed to settle in quickly and the club also gave me freedom and a conducive environment to work. I feel I have grown much since then and I am ready to move to the next level.”
Second Chance at National Duty
Odongo was part of Kenya’s provisional squad for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, but narrowly missed out on the final selection.
That setback seems to have fuelled his hunger — and this time, he’s made it.
The youngster is among those hoping to inspire Kenya in their CHAN debut, and their opening match against DR Congo at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani could be the stage for his international debut.
“This is a huge opportunity for me because it is a huge platform with the national team,” he said.
“Playing against teams from the rest of the continent with players who have massive experience is a huge thing. It also offers a platform to move my career to the next level because you never know who is watching. My ambition is to give my best for the team when called upon and ensure that we do well.”
Kenya’s “Last Born” Now Looking Ahead
Nicknamed the “Last Born” of the team due to his age, Odongo is fast becoming a symbol of Kenya’s next football generation.
With the CHAN spotlight now firmly on East Africa, and scouts watching, the teenager could be on the cusp of something big.
If he delivers, he may just announce himself not only as one for the future, but one for the present — for Kenya, and perhaps even for African football at large.