Austin Odhiambo is headed to Lebanon

[faraja]

Report from Mozzart Sports

His most productive campaign came in the 2023 to 2024 season, when he was crowned the FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player after scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists

Harambee Stars attacking midfielder Austine Odhiambo is set to depart Gor Mahia in the January transfer window, bringing an end to a successful three year spell with the record Kenyan champions.


In a statement released on Thursday, 1 January, Odhiambo confirmed that he is moving on to a new challenge in his career, bidding an emotional farewell to the K’Ogalo faithful who have embraced him since his arrival at the club.

The playmaker completed his long awaited move abroad on New Year’s Eve after signing for Lebanese giants Nejmeh SC, finally sealing an overseas transfer that had been on the cards for close to 18 months.

Odhiambo had been strongly linked with several foreign moves during that period, but after a series of near misses, he opted to take up the opportunity in Lebanon, where he will link up with fellow Harambee Stars players Masud Juma and Anthony Akumu.

His move makes him the second Gor Mahia player in recent times to head straight to Lebanon, following Benson Omala’s ill fated transfer to Al Safa in August 2024.

As the former AFC Leopards man embarks on a new chapter in his career, Gor will also benefit financially, having chosen to cash in on one of their most prized assets.

“Today I bid farewell to this club that has been a home to me for the past three years. This was not an easy decision but I am moving on to a new challenge in my career,” Odhiambo said in a message shared on his official Facebook page.


The midfield talisman joined Gor on 5 October, 2021 from arch rivals AFC Leopards and wasted little time in stamping his authority at the club.

He quickly became a key cog in K’Ogalo’s machine, playing a central role as the club clinched back to back league titles in the 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024 seasons.

His most productive campaign came in the 2023 to 2024 season, when he was crowned the FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player after scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists.


Affectionately known in some quarters as Rolls Royce, Odhiambo has also grown into a central figure for the national team under head coach Benni McCarthy.

His most notable contribution came at last year’s Africa Nations Championship, where he scored two goals as Harambee Stars cruised into the quarterfinals of the continental competition.

In his farewell message, Odhiambo expressed deep gratitude to the Gor Mahia supporters, noting that the club will always occupy a special place in his heart.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support. We have shared countless memories, celebrated victories, faced challenges together and I will cherish those moments forever,” he said.

The club is understood to be pocketing close to 65,000 dollars, approximately Ksh 8million shillings, for a player who has been a loyal servant since his arrival.