- Gor Mahia boss heaps praise on Bryton Onyona for his impressive performances.
- Onyona is in line to make his national team debut after being handed a maiden call-up.
- This is after impressive displays since being entrusted with a starting berth in the 25/26 SportPesa League campaign.
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has heaped praise on fast-rising Bryton Onyona, describing him as a ‘typical European leftback’ ahead of the player’s potential debut for the men’s national football team Harambee Stars.
Onyona is in line to make his national team debut after being handed a maiden call-up by head coach Benni McCarthy for the November 2025 friendly matches against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal scheduled to take place in Turkey on 14 and 18 November, respectively.
This is after the former Gor Mahia Youth player put in impressive displays since being entrusted with a starting berth in the 25/26 SportPesa League campaign.
Gor Mahia boss heaps praise on Bryton Onyona
Speaking to SportPesa Blog just before news of Onyona’s callup, Akonnor, who is responsible for putting trust on the youngster, noted the player has the makings of playing in Europe.
“He is a very smart boy. He has processed everything we have told him and now what we are adding to his game is that he must look dangerous when he goes to attack. He is a typical European left-back and he is processing it very well and we are pleased to have him,” he said.
He also hailed the youngster for being fearless when it comes to competing for the starting berth despite being inexperienced even as he wished him the best for the future.
“He has given the other guys a lot of competition and we want him to continue. He is one of the brightest players in the team yet he is a very young boy. What he has done so far is nice to watch. He is believing in himself and we hope for the best for him,” Akonnor added.
Onyona, who rose to the limelight after being promoted from Gor Mahia Youth in February 2025, is the latest to be churned from the left back factory at Gor Mahia that has also had Harambee Stars defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma who currently plies his trade with Polish side Rakow.
Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng, another Harambee Stars defender, is another solid left back cuurentlt at Gor with Ugandan international Godfrey Walusimbi also having passed through the 21-time Kenyan champions.
Onyona will hope to make his debut for Harambee Stars when they face Equatorial Guinea on November 14 at 18:00 at the Emir Complex, before taking on Senegal on November 18 at the same time at the Mardan Stadium.
Harambee Stars International Friendly Fixtures
Kenya vs Equatorial Guinea | November 14, 2025 | 18h00 | Emir Complex
Senegal vs Kenya | November 18, 2025 | 18h00 | Mardan Stadium
Harambee Stars Final Squad for Turkey friendlies
Goalkeepers
Byrne Omondi (Gor Mahia), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City), Brian Opondo (Tusker FC)
Defenders
Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Etoile Du Sahel), Michael Kibwage (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Sogndal), Kevin Otiende (Nairobi United), Baron Ochieng (Zamalek), Bryton Onyona (Gor Mahia)
Midfielders
Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Lech Poznan), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC)
Attackers
Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), William Lenkupae (VPS), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Aldrine Kibet (Celta Vigo), Ovellah Ochieng (Nairobi United), Jonah Ayunga (ST Mirren), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki), Sharif Musa (Gor Mahia)