By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kenyans were on Wednesday united in mourning the death of former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia captain Austin Oduor populary known as Makamu.
He was the father of former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi and uncle to former Liverpool forward Divork Origi
Oduor died on Tuesday evening. Eliud Owalo the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of The President led Kenyans in mourning the soccer idol who led Gor Mahia to a Confederations of African Cup in 1987.
“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. 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,” said Owalo.
He added: “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 conceptualisation and operationalising of the Gor Mahia Legends’ welfare sustainability fund, and the plans we had for the future.
Owalo said he has lost a friend, an elder brother, a Gurdian, and a role model in life.
Veteran Sports journalist said: “Unbeleviable. Makamu was one of my best Kenyan players. I watched him defend and captain K’Ogalo and Harambee Stars and also as a coach. We shared a lot and he was always soft spoke. The images of him lifting the Mandela Cup and bag silver at the All African Games in 1987 are still vivid,” said Makori.
Another media personality Caroll Radull said: “A legend has rested. Our thoughts with the family during this difficult time.”
