Austine Odhiambo and Tyson Otieno inspire youth at boyhood club in Baba Dogo
Austine Odhiambo and Tyson Otieno are mentoring the youth at their boyhood club, Rodney Strikers, in Baba Dogo. The brothers, who credit their success to grassroots football, are helping to guide the club’s current players while emphasising the importance of skill development and early exposure in the FKF Youth Leagues.
Gor Mahia midfielder Austine Odhiambo and his younger brother, Kenya Police’s Tyson Otieno, are investing in the future of Kenyan football by offering mentorship at their boyhood club, Rodney Strikers, in Baba Dogo.
Rodney Strikers, a club making waves in the FKF Youth Leagues, earned significant recognition last year with their U13 and U15 teams both winning the inaugural editions of their respective age categories. The two brothers, who credit their own growth as footballers to their time at the club, are committed to supporting and guiding the next generation of players.
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Odhiambo, reflecting on how grassroots football shaped his career, expressed his belief in the importance of giving back to the club that helped him start his journey.
"Football starts at the grassroots, and I owe my success to Rodney Strikers. I honed my skills here, and I hope more boys from this club will follow my lead. That’s why I feel compelled to inspire the current players by being present at matches and training sessions," Odhiambo told FKF’s website.
While Odhiambo is not actively pursuing coaching, he recognises the significance of his presence and support. "Tyson is more interested in coaching, and he’s really good at it. As for me, I prefer to give moral support to the players so they feel appreciated and motivated," Odhiambo shared.
Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia) & Tyson Otieno (Kenya Police FC) are mentoring the next generation at Rodney Strikers - the team where their journey began.
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) January 26, 2025
Today, Rodney Strikers boys’ U13 & U17 teams play the FKF Youth League Finals at Calvary Ground, Kayole.#FKFYouthLeague pic.twitter.com/VRE6ExNVC2
Tyson, on the other hand, is passionate about coaching and is focused on teaching the fundamentals of the game. "At this level, I focus on ensuring the players master the basics and understand how to play the game the right way," said Otieno. He believes that keeping young players insulated from the pressures of winning is crucial for their long-term growth. "Focusing on results too early can hinder their development," he added.
The brothers also praised the FKF Youth Leagues, which they believe provide a vital platform for young talents to be discovered and nurtured. "The FKF Youth Leagues is a great initiative we didn’t have in my day. Now, players have an opportunity to be spotted early and develop their talent. This kind of exposure is critical because it prevents promising talents from being lost," Odhiambo explained.
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