Talanta Hela: Vihiga Head Coach Tips Rising Star Austin Odongo to Be Future Harambee Stars Player

• Vihiga County head coach Edward Manoah has high hopes for Austin Odongo
• Odongo was the Talanta Hela tournament top scorer with a total of 10 goals
• Coach sees the player as a future Harambee Stars striker if nurtured well

Edward Manoah, head coach of Vihiga County U-19 has commended his team for securing third spot in the just-concluded Talanta Hela U-19 competition at Nyayo National Stadium.

Vihiga County clinched top spot by defeating Nakuru 3-2, after a 4-2 post-match penalty loss to Kisumu County in the semi-finals.

In the quarterfinals, Vihiga triumphed over West Pokot with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory in a thrilling 4-4 draw, with Austin Odongo displaying remarkable prowess.

Manoah praised the players for their outstanding performance, acknowledging the challenges of being allocated brief preparation time.

"The players gave their best and had a wonderful tournament despite having a short time for preparations. Penalties don't have an expert, and they can go either way and unfortunately, we were unlucky in the semis," Manoah told Citizen Digital.

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Despite an unfortunate outcome in the semi-finals, finishing third was deemed a commendable achievement. Manoah also credited the technical bench for their crucial support.

The former Kakamega Homeboyz tactician specifically highlighted the contributions of prolific forward Austin Odongo, who not only emerged as the top scorer with 10 goals but also received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, despite missing two games due to a minor injury.

Manoah expressed confidence in Odongo's potential, stating that with proper nurturing he could become the leading striker for the men’s national team.

"Odongo is a very talented footballer. I didn't believe the real talent I had at my disposal. If his talent is well nurtured, he will be the forward to lead Harambee Stars shortly," Manoah says.

The Talanta Hela U-19 tournament, in its inaugural edition, aims to cultivate grassroots-level football talent.

“We in the school and education system want to continue to be the source of talent. We are working with the Ministry of Sports so that we can identify schools that will act like academies and nurture certain sports,” Belio Kipsang, Permanent Secretary for Education is quoted on Nation.

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Homabay County secured victory in the boys' category, humbling Kisumu County 4-2, while Busia triumphed in the ladies' category with a 3-1 win over Kisumu.

Harambee Stars player’s helping hand

Sports Brief previously reported that Harambee Stars defender, Joseph Okumu extended a helping hand to his youth team Chemelil Youth Football Club, by donating a 14-seater van.

Okumu, currently playing for Ligue 1 outfit Stade de Reims, had the van delivered during a prayer session at the Chemelil Sugar Sports Complex Stadium.

The handover ceremony was marked by the presence of Okumu's father, Hillary Ouma, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chemelil Youth FC.