Odoyo Counting on First Harambee Stars Call Up to Open Way for Dream Move to Orlando Pirates

Tusker midfielder David Odoyo is silently praying that his first Harambee Stars call-up will open the door for him to accomplish his childhood dream of joining South African giants Orlando Pirates.

The versatile midfielder secured his first call-up on Wednesday, October 2 when Coach Engin Firat unveiled a 28-man provisional squad, for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier double against Cameroon.

Odoyo, the sole new face in the team, is expected to report to camp on Friday, October 4 to begin preparations for the first leg set for Friday, October 11 at the Japoma Stadium. 

The return leg is scheduled to be held on Monday, October 14 at the Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Uganda behind closed doors. 

COUNTING ON CALL UP TO OPEN DOOR TO PIRATES

While it is obvious for Odoyo to habour ambitions of squeezing himself into the final team, he told SportsBoom that he is banking on the call up to scale to the next phase of his career.

Odoyo, who primarily plays as a central defensive midfielder, revealed that he had been a big Pirates fan since childhood and was actively pursuing all legal links that could land him at the Soweto-based club.

The 20-year-old hopes that news of his call-up will catch the attention of Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro and prompt him to keep a close eye on his performances at the very least.

Although Kenyan midfielders rarely make it to the Premier League Soccer (PLS), Odoyo is assertive of achieving his ambition if he builds on the call-up.

FOLLOWING BWIRE'S FOOTSTEPS

Having watched his former teammate, at Tusker Brian Bwire, join PLS side Polokwane City, Odoyo believes he is on track to play in the same competition with the former Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper.

Bwire, ditched Tusker in favour of Polokwane in July, following the expiry of his two-year-long deal with the Brewers whom he captained in his final season. 

Besides being teammates at Tusker for two seasons, both Bwire and Odoyo are Green Commandos products who shot for the limelight while representing Kakamega High in school games. 

"He was among the first people who called me after the list was out. We have been close friends for years and I am putting in efforts to join him in South Africa. He motivates me and counsels me to remain focused on my dreams," he shared his relationship with the goalkeeper who has several Stars caps.

The former national U20 team goalkeeper and captain is not the sole player, who serves as a role model and source of inspiration for Odoyo, as the midfielder picked his teammate Chrispine Erambo as a friend who had been encouraging him to pursue career goals. 

Erambo, who is in his second season in the Kenyan top tier, has been a regular figure in the national team since earning his first call-up in March this year.