By Goro Oronge
When Kenya’s history of football is written, one player’s contribution to the development and growth of the sport will receive a positive mention. Apart from being a legend, he has been a mentor and figure father to emerging and young players in the country.
They call him the Captain. Mr. Austin Oduor is a household name in Kenya on matters of football and its development. An executioner of excellence and one of the most disciplined soccer players in the country of all time.
Nicknamed Makamu aka Ajuoga, Austin was a lynchpin, cog, and pillar in the Defence of the Mighty Gor Mahia Football Club and the country’s national team Harambee Star. For Kogalo Fans, Austin is what they needed in the lineup during his time in the game.
Makamu started playing football with Umeme of Ziwani and later joined Luo Stars in the late years of his teenage years.
He later joined Gor Mahia FC in 1980 as a defending midfielder. Survived the great axe by Mbori on expulsion of players and was part of the team that won the Super League in 1983.
In 1985 he was among the team members of Gor Mahia who won the CECAFA Club Championship in Khartoum, Sudan.
He scored a goal Against Al Hilal. In the pool matches. In Khartoum, he was the last man and commanded one of the best defense lines Gor has ever fielded consisting of Bob Ogola, Swaleh Ochieng, Isaiah Omondi, and Tairus Omondi in goal. Gor won the tournament unbeaten.
Coming back to Kenya he captained Gor Mahia to league victory in 1985. Gor lost the league in 1986 due to players suspensions once again but Austin as a disciplined player survived.
Gor won the Moi Golden Cup that year in 1986 under his leadership. This was like consolation after losing the League title.
The victory over Bandari in the Moi Golden Cup assured Gor Mahia of a continental place which was a CAF cup Winner which was dubbed the Mandela Cup.
Austin was still the captain and led Gor to victory over Esperance of Tunis, Tunisia on away goal rules.
Later he was inducted into the National team. He was a member of the Harambee Stars who finished Runners and won Silver in the All-African Games held in Nairobi after losing to Egypt by a solitary goal.
He had a short stint in the Middle East as a pro and rejoined Gor Mahia as a coach.
He is the father of Arnold Origi former Kenya No. 1 goalkeeper and a brother to Mike Okoth who is the father of Divock Origi.
Before his death, he presided over an event in Asembo where he gave young boys tips on being a good footballer.
His home is in Making a near Kakamega though his original home was in Ugenya.
Austin believed in discipline and upon his death was the Chairman of Gor Mahia Legends Welfare group.
Rest in power Champ.
The Writer is Kenya International and former Gor Mahia striker. Goro is also a consultant
