Austin Oduor Origi is remembered as one of the most illustrious footballers that Kenya has ever produced. In a career that spanned over a decade, the player popularly known as “Makamu” starred for both Gor Mahia and the national team Harambee stars, captaining both sides and leading both Gor Mahia and Harambee stars to their best ever performances at continental level.
Footballing family
Formative Days
Breaking into the starting Line-up
Switching from midfield to central defence
A young Austin Oduor (in a kitenge) with other Kogalo players in Mombasa in 1983. Others are Sammy Onyang0 (blue shirt), Hezborn Omollo (red jacket) and Peter Ochieng (black tracksuit)
Three consecutive League Titles
Austin in the forefront, posing with the CECAFA club cup after Kogalo won in 1985
Breaking into the national team
Austin pictured here after scoring the decisive penalty
Continental Glory
Makamu (number six) celebrates as Dawo scores against Esperance
Captain of the national team
Harambee stars captain Austin Oduor and Harambee stars coach Mohamed Kheri receiving jerseys that were donated by the German government. This was prior to the 1990 Africa Nations cup. Next to them is former Stars coach Bernard Zgoll
Glory as player-coach
Makamu with other national team legends, Joe Kadenge and Mahmoud Abbas
Comparing his days to today.
Austin Oduor Pictorial
Lifting the cup winners cup in 1987
This is 1990 during Makamu’s stint as player coach. Here he tussles with Rivatex goalkeeper Charles Bwire during the Moi golden cup semis
Makamu with William Obwaka, George Nyangi, Ben Oloo, Enock Obwaka and team manager Amos Nandi in Sudan in 1985
Introducing players during the Motokura cup final in 1986
Makamu introduces Peter Otieno Bassanga to president Moi before playing Inter Club of Congo in 1988
Makamu and Sammy Onyango present the three trophies that Gor Mahia won in 1987 to President Moi
Makamu today with other former players David Ochieng, George Onyango and Ben Oloo
With the young boys in his role as Sports Talent promotions coordinator
Helping sharpen the next generation of football talents
With media personality Carol Radull at Kasarani
Still playing. With former team-mate Mike Otieno Image courtesy of Fred Nyakiamo (right)
With former team-mate Mike Otieno
RIP
Austin Passed away on October-15-2024 at Kakamega Hospital where he had been rushed for treatment
9 thoughts on “Austin Oduor: Kenya’s most successful team captain”
Great post; one of my favorite players ever. This brought back so many memories from that era – scintillating tiki taka-style soccer, endless edge-of-the-seat AFC rivalry, guaranteed full stadiums. So thankful I got to experience it and hopefully Kogalo will replicate the continental success in the near future. Thanks for this!
@ admin, good initiative. Infact now that the season is over, can we do a similar post for one of my favourite club legend of all times….hesborn omollo !
One of the club’s greatest. I have documented 30 goals he scored for Gor Mahia in competitive matches (League, continental and FA Cup) to make him the club’s highest scoring defender ever.
Great player,one of the greatest sweepers i have ever watched.I can’t forget 1988 WCQ in nyayo stadium how he cancelled George Weah out of the game and later in Cairo in the same WCQ group putting Hossam Hassan the great Egyptian striker to no effect
This is 1990 during Makamu’s stint as player coach. Here he tussles with Rivatex goalkeeper Charles Bwire during the Moi golden cup semis
Great post; one of my favorite players ever. This brought back so many memories from that era – scintillating tiki taka-style soccer, endless edge-of-the-seat AFC rivalry, guaranteed full stadiums. So thankful I got to experience it and hopefully Kogalo will replicate the continental success in the near future. Thanks for this!
@ admin, good initiative. Infact now that the season is over, can we do a similar post for one of my favourite club legend of all times….hesborn omollo !
No doubt the most illustrious skipper this country has seen
I had the privilege of watching Makamu during his playing days. Arguably the best defender Gor and Kenya has ever produced.
One of the club’s greatest. I have documented 30 goals he scored for Gor Mahia in competitive matches (League, continental and FA Cup) to make him the club’s highest scoring defender ever.
Very informative piece,great work!my all time favorite
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Great player,one of the greatest sweepers i have ever watched.I can’t forget 1988 WCQ in nyayo stadium how he cancelled George Weah out of the game and later in Cairo in the same WCQ group putting Hossam Hassan the great Egyptian striker to no effect
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