Austin Odhiambo Otieno

Austin Odhiambo Otieno is an extraordinary, fleet-footed attacking midfielder born in Siaya in December 1999. Rising through the ranks of AFC Leopards, he seized the spotlight at Gor Mahia after joining them in 2021 as a free agent. His termination at Leopards opened up a remarkable opportunity, and he quickly became the creative heartbeat of the midfield, mesmerizing fans with his dazzling dribbling and vision. In July 2024, he achieved the honor of being named the Kenyan Premier League MVP, scoring an impressive 12 goals and providing 13 assists on the way to Gor Mahia's 21st league title.

The moniker “Rolls-Royce” perfectly captures Austin's smooth, classy, and clutch performances. Under coach Mihic, he delivered remarkable back-to-back braces against Kariobangi Sharks and Githurai All Stars, showcasing his talent through breathtaking set pieces and free kicks. Despite facing a knee injury that temporarily slowed him down, he made a triumphant return, scoring four goals in two matches before another flare-up ahead of an international break.

Odhiambo’s national breakthrough arrived in mid-2024 when he earned his first cap as a substitute against Burundi in a World Cup qualifier, contributing an assist as he made his mark. His journey continued to shine at the COSAFA Cup, where he scored twice and was named man of the match against Zimbabwe. In August 2025, he etched his name in history by securing Kenya’s lone goal in their CHAN opener, leading to a 1–0 victory over DR Congo at Kasarani and igniting a wave of national celebration.

Odhiambo’s story is a testament to resilience and determination, overcoming adversity at Leopards to find greatness at Gor Mahia. His soft approach to football matters has allowed him to embrace new opportunities with national call-ups under Benni McCarthy. As he strives to regain full fitness, all eyes are on him as he looks to lift Kenya to new heights in continental competition.