Richard Odada: From Kajiado to Denmark, Kenya Star Opens Up on Dortmund, AFCON 2027 Dreams

• Richard Odada is one of the most promising Kenyan footballers at the moment
• The 23-year-old has already put in immaculate performances for the national team
• Sports Brief engaged him on his love for football, journey to Europe and future plans

When Harambee Stars fans trooped in their numbers to the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on September 12, 2023, for a friendly match against South Sudan, they expected a routine win.

Never before in their last four games had their neighbours beaten them, plus they had just beaten 2022 World Cup hosts, Qatar, a few days earlier. Confidence was high.

But a Tito Okello strike in the opening minute was enough for the youngest nation in Africa to cause a major upset on Kenya's home turf.

Despite the heartbreaking result, something beautiful happened: Richard Odada reintroduced himself to local fans and to those who didn't know him beforehand, he sent a strong message that he was Kenya's main man in midfield—the successor to Victor Wanyama's throne.

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With every touch, pass, run and a couple of dummies, Odada bossed the game but was undone by poor finishing from his teammates. His composure in the middle of the pack as he received the ball from the backline before turning around to play the next ball was spectacular.

When Sports Brief caught up with him for an exclusive chat, it quickly became apparent that the same composure he oozes on the pitch is the same mentality with which he approaches life.

"The team will always come first. If the team can't get a result, it doesn't matter how good you were. We were so disappointed after the South Sudan game."

Odada's childhood and love for football

Odada was born and bred in Rongai, a town on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. He attended Nakeel Primary School, where his love for football began to manifest at a tender age.

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"We used to play between class breaks and I realised it was something I loved doing. I played in almost every position before I settled on honing my skills as a midfielder."

The 23-year-old lights up as he explains that his preferred position on the pitch is playing as a defensive midfielder, protecting the defence as he breaks down opposition play. But he quickly adds that he also has some attacking instincts that are vital for playing as a number 8.

Former national team captain Wanyama was his role model growing up. Wanyama, who retired from international duty in 2021, is the only Kenyan to have played in the English Premier League.

"I drew inspiration from Wanyama when I watched him play in the top leagues. His story is almost similar to mine in terms of his struggles, but he pushed himself nonetheless to the very top."

Apart from Wanyama, he keenly watches Machester United's midfielder Scott McTominay, whose work ethic, even after an injury layoff, is commendable.

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After Nakeel Primary, he joined Laiser Hill Academy for his high school education. Laiser Hill Academy is a giant in secondary school games and has represented the country in East Africa games multiple times.

Breakthrough to Europe

Odada featured in Kenya Premier League U20 games while training at Elite Academy. The management was interested in him and recommended him for trials with European clubs. In 2017, he trialled out at Red Star Belgrade, Inter Milan, Juventus and Parma before the Serbian giants signed him.

At only 17 years of age, the aspiring footballer left home to chase his dreams abroad. Red Star Belgrade sent him out on loan to Grafičar Beograd and therein, he picked one of his first lessons in European football.

"Consistency is what makes you stand out. There are at least three players in your position and for you to feature in the matchday squads, you have to put your best foot forward. They demand the best out of you."

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His mother wasn't a huge fan of him prioritising football while he was young but changed her perspective entirely after she saw her son was invested in it and was bearing returns. She has been her number-one supporter since.

Major League Soccer to Denmark

After three years, Odada took a leap of faith to quit Serbia and moved to Major League Soccer, where he signed with Philadelphia Union in 2022. The move did not pan out as expected, and he moved back to Europe, with Danish second-tier side AaB Fodbold signing him on loan.

It is in Denmark where his career took off, with AaB currently in second place in the race to qualify for the Danish top flight next season. AaB are one point behind Sonderjyske with four more games to go. Odada has chipped in with four goals and an assist in league games, but he wants more.

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"Our current position is enough to qualify for the first division, but we plan to win the league."

He remains coy on whether he will return to the United States once his season-long loan move is over.

Odada as a Harambee Stars player

Odada made his national debut on September 2. 2021, in a World Cup qualifier match against Uganda that ended in a goalless draw.

"It was an uplifting moment that is etched on my memory. The first time I got the call-up, I politely declined for personal reasons and the coach understood me. He offered me a second chance, and I debuted for the national team at 20 years."

Two months later, he scored his first goal in Kenyan colours when he buried a penalty to lift Harambee Stars to a 2-1 win over Rwanda.

Prior to this, he had turned down an invitation to play for Serbia U21.

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The Richard Odada Foundation

The midfielder then speaks affectionately about his foundation, which he began recently with a series of charity drives. He opines that children struggle with societal vices like drug abuse, crime and early pregnancies. Now a role model in Rongai, he wants to use his position to inspire others to better lives.

"People are struggling out here. It is not easy for one to get their hands on something that can be a means of livelihood. I have worked on providing shoes, kits and food around my community. I intend to make it a long-term project. The little that I have I will always share with the society to open them to new frontiers."

He has at least 100 girls he supports at the moment with the hope that he will one day see them playing professionally. He also plans to provide self-sustaining courses like tailoring.

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AFCON 2027

Back home, the AaB midfielder has beseeched the government and other stakeholders to play their part ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations set to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Lack of government support and goodwill continue to ail football development in the region.

"It will be nice to welcome the continent to East Africa. Let the government do their part and we will do our part. We are also looking to better our chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. We still have eight games to go and hope to get results in those games."

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In the local league, the Laiser Hill alumnus is sure record champions Gor Mahia will clinch another title this season. Jonathan McKinstry's men are currently 10 points clear at the top of the table.

Odada settles GOAT debate

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Odada, who will die with Cristiano Ronaldo in the GOAT debate, is a Chelsea fan and hopes to see the Mauricio Pochettino side rediscover their glory days. Apart from his Chelsea affection, Odada's ambition is to play in Europe's top-five leagues and he harbours dreams of playing for German side Borussia Dortmund.

"The main goal is to compete at high levels and I want to compete in these top UEFA competitions."

At only 23 years old, Odada has the world at his feet. And with his energy, mentality and forward-thinking, you won't be wrong to say he is destined for the stars. The journey to playing in front of the Yellow Wall at Signal Iduna or his beloved Stamford Bridge is on.