Veteran star picks 2007 derby penalty against rivals as memorable goal

In 2007 during one of the continents major derbies, the Dar es Salaam derby pitting sworn rivals Simba SC and Yanga FC, a lean dreadlocked Kenyan stepped up in a crucial moment of the match and did the unthinkable in front of a massive crowd.

That match was a league decider and the two rivals were also battling for the sole Champions League slot with the game tied at 1-1, the Simba SC players were haggling and tense after a penalty was awarded.

It turns out Moses ‘Dube’ Odhiambo was to be the saviour as he picked the ball confidently and moments later there was ecstatic celebrations after he slotted home the winner to send ‘Wekundu wa Msimbazi’ as they are popularly known by their fans, to the prestigious continental event as well as guarantee them the league title

It was a moment like no other for the then 26 year old player. Along the way, there have been other crucial moments for the dreadlocked player who was born and raised in Meru and has enjoyed a a memorable 20 years of competitive football that has seen him feature 16 different clubs in three continents.

“My life was moulded for football and it was made easier by my late father who was also a football player during his time.

I have always loved the game and even while in School I only thought of football. I believe my turning point was when we had a friendly match with then Kenya Breweries FC (now Tusker FC) while at Meru playing for Kisima Bombers and I really made a mark to the point that few months later they contacted me,” said the soft spoken father of five.

It has always been about improvement and learning for him all along his unblemished career even being among the few African homebred players to win titles with six clubs in three different countries between 2004-2012.

The last born in a family of two, has many feathers in his cap over the two decades he has played. He feature for East African giants Gor Mahia where he won back-to-back league titles between 2011 and 2012.

The midfield maestro who says he picks his play ingenuity from legends of the game like Frenchman Zinedine Zidane and Dutchman Clarence Seedorf has also won the Transparency Cup with Utalii FC in 2004 under veteran coach James Nandwa and also league winner with Tusker FC in 2005.

“I remember when I came in Nairobi in 2003,I was tense and yes Tusker wanted my services but I saw there was big talents over there like Edward Karanja,John Mo Muiruri and Robert Mambo so I opted to try my luck with Utalii. It was a great opportunity to build my name and then onwards it has been great strides for me and it is because of my patience, hardwork and resilience.

Football is difficult and it has its low moments but I thank God for what I have achieved through this game,” says the player currently with National Super League side Nairobi Stima.

He has played over 1000 matches and built a strong name and network in the business given his journeys and football brain on the pitch.

He was declared Most Valuable Player for Simba SC in his debut season as well as worked under at least 20 top quality coaches from different nationalities who instilled him professionalism.

“People like Jacob Ghost Mulee have really improved me as a player. Coaches are more than teachers so when you develop a relationship, it last forever and some of these guys I still respect to date because they taught me about self-belief,” says Odhiambo.

Incidentally, the Majengo born player believes he has gas in his tank despite the gaming becoming more brute, technical and advanced.

“Young guys are coming up but because I still have strength then I believe I can offer something. I have the experience and definitely the passion.

Maybe in a few years I will now consider Coaching but for now the ball still loves my feet,” he says. 

Speaking exclusively to the People Sport, old workhorse talked of football frustrations, saying: “Injuries and poor performance of the team is what gets to me the most because it somehow demoralizes.

I have like many other players fought with such scenarios because it is not our own making as sportsmen.

This is part of a sport and it is about strong mentality which by the way I share with the young upcoming players.”  

He remains probably the only Kenyan who has played for rival clubs in a foreign land.

To him the atmosphere when Simba and Yanga play is unique and shivering but he was able to claim his place quickly amongst the ardent passionate fan base.

“Tanzania is football loving and in games like the Derby, people plan even months earlier.

There is nothing like it and even both teams do not spend in the same City because of tension have witnessed players panic and officials run scared but I was always calm and professional earned me respect from both ends even though obviously I had more success with Simba.

However there was the downside especially with strong belief with black magic and at times even our own stewards could spend at the changing rooms to “protect” from intrusion.

It was funny and weird at the same time but I had to adjust as a foreigner. I believe it was not luck that gave me points but diligence,” says the ex-Gor Mahia captain. His first born son,15, is quickly learning the ropes in the game.

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