By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Youthful Tusker FC midfielder David Odoyo says it is a dream come true for him to earn a first ever call up to the national team Harambee Stars.
Odoyo has been called up by coach Engin Firat in the provisional squad that gets into camp on Friday ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) double header qualifier against Cameroon in Douala and Kampala, Uganda.
“I am really thankful to God for this chance because it offers a platform for great exposure. I thank coach Firat and his technical bench for having faith in me and giving me this call up. This just shows how much effort I have put in for the first four games of the season and I hope to keep working even at the national team level,” Odoyo said, reacting to his call up,” he said.
He added: “I was a really happy and I can’t express how happy I feel. Honestly I was surprised. But, I knew that one day it would come, it was just a matter of time. Playing for the national team is everyone’s dream and I hope through this call up, I can take the next big step in my career.”
On the influence close friend and teammate Chris Erambo has had on him: “Playing with him and the solid partnership we have had in midfield has come as a result of the off field relationship we have. We are close to each other, we understand each other and we push each other. He always encouraged me to keep working hard and he told me he believed I would get a national team call up. His words of encouragement have always had me going and my biggest hope is to someday play alongside him in the national team.”
On battling to make the final squad; “It is definitely a big challenge, but at the same time, I am motivated to work harder to make the final squad. I just need to keep working hard, play my game, and remain committed and determined to the cause.
On looking up to Teddy Akumu growing up and getting a chance to meet him: “I like how he (Akumu) plays and how he marshals the midfield. I have admired him since his days at Gor Mahia when I was growing up. I am looking forward to meeting him for the first time and getting to interact and learn from him. He looks like a really nice guy and I look forward to learning from him.”
Odoyo joined Tusker FC at the start of last season, just after finishing his education at the Kakamega High School.
