Michael Oduor on road to stardom, poultry farming, and working in silence

Tusker FC forward Michael Oduor has no plans of becoming a coach when he hangs up his boots.

“I love football but coaching is not for me,” Oduor told The Eastleigh Voice during an interview.

Instead, the 28-year old is already working silently towards establishing himself as a businessman and he is not putting all his eggs in one basket.

As he dazzles the FKF Premier League with Tusker FC, Oduor is dabbling in twin business ventures that demonstrate his familiarity with the ways of the village and mastery of the streets of the big city.

Other than running a poultry business in Siaya, Oduor is making waves in Nairobi with a brand and clothing line that he has launched recently.

“After I stop playing football, I will focus more on my poultry farm in Siaya. Currently, I divide my time between managing it and playing football and so far I am satisfied with the progress I am making,” Oduor said.

“Also, I have recently launched a brand called “Kula nyama, nyamaza”. Though it literally means “eat meat and shut up”, I define the phrase, “work and enjoy your success in silence”. I have started producing baseball caps, hoodies, and t-shirts under the label. The label is a hit among my teammates and friends and I appreciate their support of what I am doing,” he added as he chuckles with excitement.

Kula Nyama, Nyamaza merchandise by Michael Oduor

If kula nyama, nyamaza can be taken to be his guiding star in life, Oduor’s journey to stardom and savouring the fruit of his sweat, did not lack disappointments and some loud cheerleaders, his family, along the way.

Oduor had his blooding at Umeme Football Club, a grassroots football team based in Starehe’s Ziwani-Kariokor Ward, before progressing to make his bones in Kenya’s top flight league first with Sofapaka U20 in 2016, then with the Sofapaka senior team the same year. He later spells with Wazito, Kariobangi Sharks, and KCB. His performance with the bankers culminated with a move to the brewers where he currently plies his trade.

“Progressing from Umeme FC to the top flight of Kenyan football was not an easy journey. Indeed I had the talent but there were many other boys who were as hungry and eager as me to grab opportunities. Before finally joining Sofapaka, I attended their trials thrice and failed but I never gave up,” Oduor said.

The resolve not to give up was fueled by him coming from a family whose legacy is deep in the history of Kenyan football.

“It was like it was written that I would be a footballer. There was just no other path for me. My father, Patrick “Lilu” Lumumba played for Harambee Stars. My elder brother, Russell, was also a footballer as was late cousin Stephen Ogos who starred for Utalii and many other relatives. Their contribution to the history of Kenyan footballers pushed me to continue working hard,” Oduor said.

Oduor also credited the influence of his coaches and players who passed Umeme FC before for contributing to his success as a footballer.

“I am also grateful to my coach at Umeme FC, Aggrey Ongoli, and former Umeme FC players like Humphrey Mieno. Through their achievements and advice, I was able to know which path to follow to succeed in the sport,” he said.

At Tusker FC, Oduor is now working hard towards winning trophies with the club as well as wearing the national team jersey.

“Being at Tusker FC has improved me mentally as a player. This is a club that only thinks about winning and I have embraced that spirit. At Tusker FC, a player cannot afford to slack. You slack a bit and you are out of the team because the competition for places is stiff. I am playing at the level I aspired and I want to maintain that,” he said.

“I have never played for the national team and other than winning trophies with my club, turning out for Harambee Stars is what I working the hardest towards to,” he adds.

Until then, Oduor will continue to work in silence and let the results speak for him.