Football legends bid farewell to Austin Oduor as they ask for government help

Former Harambee stars players carry the casket bearing the body of former Gor Mahia team player Austin Oduor during burial service at Makunga village in Navakholo in Kakamega county. [Benjamin Sakwa,Standard]

Song, dance, tears, and praises light up the sleepy village of Makunga, Navakholo Constituency, Kakamega County on Saturday last week when football fraternity and Kenyans laid to rest a football legend, Austin Oduor Origi Makamu in a historic farewell characterised with emotional appeal to the government to honour legends in their prime time.

The football legend was buried historically with his grave painted with green materials depicting the colour sof Gor Mahia.

Arguably Oduor, 65, was one of the best footballers the country has ever had and who made history as the only Gor Mahia captain to lift the prestigious Mandela Cup now the CAF Federation Cup in 1987.

Oduor studied at St. Brigids Primary School before he was transferred to Nairobi South Primary School, he then attended Highway High School in Nairobi and after completing his secondary education he pursued accounting and supplies certification.

He began his career at Benham Holdings before joining the Ministry of Works then he later transferred to the Ministry of Roads where he worked as a supply officer until his retirement in 2019.

Oduor also served as Harambee Stars Captain from 1988 to 1990 during his days as a Defender.

The fallen legend’s burial was attended by thousands of football fans, former legends international players, and government officials.

Being in a Luhya land the burial ceremony allowed traditional rituals by Gor Mahia fans in an event led by the Catholic church.

Football legends, leaders, football stakeholders and fans reminisced on Oduor’s legacy and expressed growing discontent over the government’s perceived neglect of Kenya’s legends.

During the burial, concern was evident throughout the speeches from the football legends, leaders, and fans with a clarion call to the government to recognise the legends in their prime.

Peter Dawo, former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia player who played alongside Oduor expressed dismay at the absence of support for retired players stating there is a growing discontent over the government’s perceived neglect of Kenya’s sports legends.

“We played for Kenya with passion, but most of us are now languishing in poverty. There is no help or recognition after retirement, and only during medical crises or funerals do we see any support,” Dawo said.

“We raised our country’s flag high across the continent and beyond, but in retirement, there is no honour for us.”

Dawo highlighted how his generation’s contributions have largely been overlooked, which, in his view, has deprived Kenyan football of valuable insights that could elevate the sport.

“The government ought to engage the legends in nurturing grassroot talent and promoting sports. The federation is supposed to advise the government on this, but as things stand, we are entirely left out of decisions meant to take Kenyan football to greater heights.”

Shabana FC coach and former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars player Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo said that the government needs to respect its legends and start recognizing football as a professional and commercial activity.

“It is true that legends have been left on their own, we don’t want Kenyan legends be it football or athletics to be only remembered when they are suffering, and in most cases, no one comes to their rescue because legends are not special but they have done something special that needs accolades from the state. Most of the legends are languishing in poverty, others in their sickbed and the government needs to do more,” said Omollo.

He added: “I think the only two legends the government has supported when in need and their last days are the late Joe Kadenge and now Oduor and I think this should apply to all legends.”

His sentiments were echoed by Washington Muhanji, a former Harambee Stars player. He said the government ought to give Oduor a state commendation for the great work he has done stating that the fallen legend did not get the much-needed recognition.

“We have seen government only come in to help when a legend has fallen but when they are alive no one is there to help. The culture of government assisting during the burial process should come to an end. Oduor and other legends played for this country for over 15 years and the sad thing is that only a few athletes are honoured but football legends have been neglected and never feted and a legend like Oduor ought to receive a state commendation,” said Muhanji.

Speaker after speaker eulogised Oduor as a talented disciplined footballer, role model and leader on and off the pitch

Dawo termed the death of Oduor as a blow to the football industry and a huge gap that will take time to be filled.

“You can be a leader but not a disciplined one but Oduor was a disciplined leader who was strict on whatever was to be done and indeed we have lost a great footballer whose demise is a blow to the fraternity,” said Dawo.

Pamzo Omollo said Oduor was an outstanding and inspiring leader.

“The late Oduor was a strict and disciplined man. I am who I am because of Oduor, he inspired me when he used to play and for sure without being biased, we have lost a great player,” said Omollo.

Muhanji said the late Oduor was a disciplined and focused player.

The national government through the Ministry of Sports announced to construction of a Sports Academy Centre in Navakholo Constituency, Kakamega County in honour of the late Oduor.

Speaking during the burial of Oduor, Principal Secretary for Sports Tum said the sports academy will help the country harness and benefit from the experience of retired legends.

“Many people have talked about what should be done to honour our fallen hero and as a government after this burial, we will sit with local leaders to establish a land where we will put up a sports academy in honor of our late Oduor,” said Tum.

Football Kenya Federation Presidential candidate Cleophas Shimanyula said legends should be honoured and given stipends.

 Oduor, a key figure in Kenya’s famed Origi football dynasty, also fathered former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi, while being uncle to former Liverpool striker Divock Origi and brother to former Harambee Stars forward Mike Okoth Origi.

Arnold Origi, said his father was a role model who shaped his life in the football arena.

“You are and you will always be a role model, a huge part of your life and how you lived it is what has formed me into the person that I am today, both as a human being and as a professional,” said Origi.

Oduor’s departure adds to the growing list of legends who played for the national team and country but ended up wallowing in poverty.