)
Odada has been a mainstay since Victor Wanyama's retirement from international football
Philadelphia Union midfielder Richard Odada is determined to live up to the billing of being Victor Wanyama’s replacement for Harambee Stars as Engin Firat builds a squad for future challenges following the lifting of the ban on Kenyan football.
Harambee Stars have only played one game since November 2021, a 2-1 friendly loss to Iran back in March.
Speaking to Pulse Sports at the side’s training base at the MPESA Foundation Acadamey in Thika on Friday morning, Odada, who has six caps and one goal to his name and has long been namechecked as the heir to Victor Wanyama’s throne at the base of midfield, is looking forward to living up to the hype.
“I look up to him because he is a good player. Everyone knows his quality. When I was tasked with actually replacing him, I was excited because it was my turn to show everyone what I can do. I will do my best and after that, we will see what will happen,” Odada said.
Odada has struggled to get regular playing time at his new club Philadelphia since signing from Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade in January 2019, and has given his honest assessment on the situation at hand.
)
10:44 - 07.06.2023
STARS ABROAD Why Richard Odada, Wanyama's Harambee Stars heir is yet to establish himself at Philadelphia Union
The "Victor Wanyama successor" to the Harambee Stars defensive midfield throne has yet to make an appearance for Philadelphia.
“It has been challenging because I was always playing when I was in Serbia. When I went to Philadelphia, I thought I would play but I have mostly been sitting on the bench or not even playing at all.
“It was a big challenge mentally and physically and demoralized at times, but I would reassure myself to stay focused and wait for the right time, even a year as well I do not mind. I will just do my best and take my chance when it comes.”
The 22-year-old midfield general has praised the camaraderie at the current set up, praising the impact of captain Michael Olunga in helping bring everyone together.
)
13:53 - 09.06.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat admits to being clueless about Kenyan football potential
The tactician raised concerns once again as he leads the national team ahead of the Four-Nation Tournament.
“I feel good. We have great personalities, including our captain Michael. He always helps everybody, whether internationally or locally and I am enjoying everything so far.”
Kenya will not take part in any competitive fixtures until November at the earliest when the World Cup qualifiers commence, and coach Firhat will be using the upcoming tournament to build a team in preparation for that.
Odada is optimistic about the future of the national team despite the adversity the side have been through in recent years.
“We are hoping and trusting ourselves. Now we are trying to make the team first of all, but we will see. At the end of the day, we have that in our heads and we are giving 100 percent.
)
14:28 - 09.06.2023
FOOTBALL Michael Olunga breaks silence on Everton transfer links
The Kenyan striker has been linked with a summer move after an impressive campaign in Qatar.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)