Harambee Stars head Coach Benny McCarthy has lauded Gor Mahia attacking midfielder Austine Odhiambo for putting in the work which has earned him a recall to the men’s national football team ahead of their last two FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
Speaking to the media during the team’s first training session at the Police Sacco Stadium on Monday, McCarthy expressed his satisfaction with the player’s professional turnaround as he revealed Odhiambo’s return.
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McCarthy praises Odhiambo’s Harambee Stars return
“I’m glad you guys are happy for Austine’s inclusion back into the national team,” McCarthy began.
“I think he got the message, he has worked hard, played every single match for his club and earned captaincy at club level.”
The South African coach made it clear that while talent is important, a player’s commitment to the team’s standards is non-negotiable.
“I’m very pleased for the boy, I hope he can continue with that and as long as he does that and shows that his qualities shine through for his club, he will be part and parcel of the national team,” McCarthy stated, laying down the challenge for Odhiambo to maintain his form.
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McCarthy used the occasion to reiterate his firm stance on discipline and work ethic within the Harambee Stars camp. He recalled Odhiambo’s previous involvement with the national team but stressed that consistent effort is paramount.
“As I said before, he was part of my CHAN squad and an important member but nobody is bigger than the team,” the coach asserted.
“If players don’t work hard according to my standards, then you’ll find yourself out of the team. Whether you score two goals or five goals, it doesn’t matter; everyone has to work hard.”
The coach concluded by confirming that Odhiambo’s recent performances and visible dedication were what sealed his return to the fold.
“He has done that and earned himself a recall back to the national team. Happy for him, proud of him as well and I hope Kenyans are happy too,” McCarthy.
McCarthy has reiterated his commitment towards upholding the highest levels of discipline maintaining that he will not tolerate any levels of indiscipline as Harambee Stars prepare to play against Burundi and Ivory Coast in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
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Harambee Stars final squad for 2026 WCQ vs Burundi and Ivory Coast
Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire
Defenders
Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari
Midfielders
Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo
Wingers
William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
Strikers
Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth