Boniface Ambani recounts spotting Austin Odhiambo’s talent in just one touch
By Mustafa Juma, August 14, 2025AFC Leopards Chairman and former youth team coach Boniface Ambani has narrated how he first spotted Harambee Stars attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo’s exceptional talent in a matter of seconds during trials in South B.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on the night of Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Ambani said that he was coaching the AFC Leopards youth side at the time and had organised trials that attracted many young hopefuls.
PHOTO/@OfficialGMFC/X
Among them was a young Austin Odhiambo, who introduced himself as a striker.
“You know, Austin, that time I was coaching the AFC Leopards youth team, and we had organised for some trials in South B. So many young men came for the trials, and I put in a few players. You know, having been on the international stage, spotting a player doesn’t take me a whole day,” Ambani said.
“It only takes me a second. So Austin came, a few players came, and then I told him, ‘Austin, it is now your turn.’ What is your name? Austin, which position? Striker, now get in. It only took one touch. The pass to him, and the way he controlled it and turned it, I just called him back. He was, like, furious, demanding to know why, but I had already seen in him what I wanted,” he added.
Nurturing Austin Odhiambo
Ambani said he immediately informed the team manager about the youngster and requested his documents, telling Odhiambo he had made the cut.
The swift decision marked the start of a long journey that saw Ambani help nurture Austin’s talent, steering him through challenges and shaping him into the player he is today.
“So I just informed the team manager and told him (Austin) that I needed his birth certificate, his papers, and everything. He was even surprised. I didn’t take even a second with him on the pitch. So it has been a long journey; he has a history. I had to deal with the bad side and get the boy to where he is,” he said.
Odhiambo’s shining star
Odhiambo cemented his place as one of Kenya’s finest, scoring Harambee Stars’ first two goals at the ongoing African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024).
He first netted the first goal in Harambee Stars’ match against DR Congo, sending the crowds at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, into a roar.
During the Harambee Stars’ second game against Angola, Odhiambo scored from the spot again, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.