Kenyans mourn Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars legend Austin 'Makamu' Oduor

Austin Oduor speaking to Dero FC players at Nyilima Sports Grounds in Uyoma, Siaya County last Saturday. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars captain Austin Oduor Origi is dead.

Oduor who was a key member of the Gor Mahia’s golden generation in the 1980s and early 1990s passed away on Tuesday evening according to a source close to the family.

Last weekend, the former Harambee Stars captain alongside former Kenyan internationals John “Bobby” Ogolla, Peter Dawo “Omuga”, George Onyango “Fundi”, David Ochieng “Kamoga”, James Goro Oronge, Tobias Ocholla “Jua Kali”, Micke Otieno, Laban Jobita and Gerald Omollo “Chonjo” were in Siaya County for a community project.

Accompanying Deputy Chief of Staff, Performance and Delivery Management, Hon Eliud Owalo in Uyoma, the legends offered words of encouragement and motivation to Siaya County’s Dero FC and Siger FC at at Nyilima Sports Ground and Siger Primary School last Saturday.

The late Austin Oduor (right) shares a light moment with Eliud Owalo, Bobby Ogolla and David 'Kamoga'Ochieng in Siaya last Saturday. [Washington Onyango,Standard] 

Owalo told the Standard Sports he can’t believe Makamu is no more despite being healthy and joyful over the weekend.

“It is with profound shock that I have learnt of the sudden death of Kenyan Soccer Legend,Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars award-winning Captain Austin “Makamu” Oduor-a soccer Idol.

“It is only three days ago that Austin and other former Kenyan Soccer Internationals paid a courtesy call on me at our Gangu Village home in Asembo.

“I remember with nostalgia the memorable moments we have spent together with Austin, the guidance I got from him from time to time, the many initiatives we pursued together in supporting grassroots soccer activities, the conceptualization and operationalizing of the Gor Mahia Legends’ welfare sustainability fund; and the plans we had for the future.

“I have lost a friend; an elder brother; a Guardian; and a role model in life,” said Owalo.

Former Shabana, Kisumu Posta and Harambee Stars legend Elijah Onsika hailed Makamu as a star in his own journey in football.

Onsika said Oduor held his hands in the 1980s and 1990s, encouraging him not to give up football despite the challenges back then.

“I am shocked! It’s sad. I have lost a friend and a father figure in football for me. Oduor is a calm person who saw good in me when I thought I had no future. May he Rest in Peace,” said Onsika.

The former Kisumu Posta star called for the government through the Ministry of Sports and even County Governments to come to the rescue of former Kenyan sporting stars who are ailing, aged and suffering not through financial support but medical cover.

“I believe if we have a kitty where we can identify all sports men and women from back then and today who helped put Kenya at the global map through all sports and give them medical covers we shall save more lives. The health of these legends is at risk and some of us cant afford good health care,” said Onsika.

Victor Bwire, a Kisumu resident who supports Kakamega Homeboyz and Green Commandoes said Kenya has lost a star.

“I can remember he 1987 K’Ogalo heroes including Peter Dawo, goalkeeper Kamoga and now the late Makamu. Those players were the real deal. Playing for the badge and love of the game. May he Rest in Peace,” said Bwire.

The late Austin Oduor. [Courtesy]

The former Gor Mahia captain broke into the first team and was part of the team that won a hat-trick of league titles from 1983 to 1985.

Arguably his greatest achievement came in 1987 when he lifted the Mandela Cup after beating Tunisian giants Esperance in the final.

He was also part of the Harambee Stars team that qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations three consecutive times, a feat yet to be replicated.