Austin Odhiambo breaks silence after CHAN opener win
By Valerian Khakayi, August 3, 2025Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo has broken his silence following Kenya’s crucial 1-0 victory over DR Congo in their opening match of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Kasarani Stadium
Speaking to a local reporter shortly after the match on Sunday, August 3, 2025, the AFC Leopards star expressed his joy and excitement, crediting the win as a major morale booster for the team as they prepare for the upcoming fixtures.
“Mimi ni millionaire! am happy, we are happy tumewin leo na imetupatia moral because the first game was so important, so tunalook forward to the game on Thursday, because we have a long way to go, hii ni motivation hii ni moral imatupatia for the next game,” he said
Odhiambo’s decisive goal, a brilliant strike, was the difference-maker in the tightly contested match, earning Kenya three vital points in Group A.
The midfielder’s performance has drawn praise from fans, teammates, and football officials alike, with many pointing to him as one of the players to watch throughout the tournament.
Harambee Stars will now shift focus to their next group match as they aim to maintain their winning momentum and advance further in the CHAN tournament.
Ruto’s promise
Following the victory, Ruto, who visited the team after the match to congratulate them, described the win as just the beginning. He applauded Austin Odhiambo for scoring the lone goal and commended him for his outstanding effort.
The President added that every player now has their promised Ksh1 million reward and jokingly told Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president to meet him the following morning to collect the players’ dues.
“This is just a good beginning. You did very well, thank you, Austin kwa kutupatia bao la kipeke, pongezi sana. Keep the spirit high, and we are behind you, kila mtu sasa ako na milioni moja tayari sasa kesho asubuhi unipitie (FKF president) uchukuwe mali ya hawa watu,”Ruto said.
The head of state had placed a lucrative bonus of Ksh600 million for Harambee Stars if the team makes history by lifting the 8th edition of the 2024 African Nations Championship games.
Speaking after meeting the team this Saturday, August 2, 2025, Rut announced a reward scheme that ties player earnings to the team’s progress. Each member of the Harambee Stars delegation will receive Ksh1 million for every win at CHAN 2024 and Ksh 500,000 for every draw.
“I have revised the Ksh200 M reward for reaching the finals that Salim Mvurya had placed with you. If you reach the final, you will have a cash prize of Ksh600 M. It cannot get better than this. Now it is upon everyone to play their part,” the head of state told the team.
The president’s pledge also included a Ksh60 m reward if the team reaches the quarterfinals and Ksh70 m if they reach the semi-finals of the games.
“For every game you win, every player here gets a million shillings. For every game you draw half a million shillings,” he told the players.
Ruto also outlined a different reward scheme targeting individual players. Every member of the team’s playing unit will receive Ksh1 million for every win and Ksh500 for every draw.