Sofapaka captain Victor Odhiambo has called on football fans to stop pushing players into early retirement, urging them instead to judge footballers based on their performance and contribution on the pitch rather than their age.
In Kenyan football, the debate around players who have “overstayed” in the game often resurfaces especially when such players receive national team call-ups or join top clubs.
The discussion, according to Odhiambo, unfairly targets experienced players who still have the quality and physical ability to compete at the highest level.
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Sofapaka captain Victor Odhiambo says age is just a number
Speaking to SportPesa Blog, the Sofapaka skipper who took over the armband following Humphrey Mieno’s departure to KCB FC says age should never define a player’s worth.
“Age in football is just a number. What matters most is productivity what a player brings to the team and how they perform on the pitch,” he said.
Odhiambo compared the situation in Kenya to top football leagues across Europe, Asia, and America, where veteran players continue to shine well into their late 30s and even 40s.
“Look at Luka Modrić, N’Golo Kanté, Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi and others. They are still performing at the highest level.
Even players like Thiago Silva and Nicolás Otamendi proved their worth at the Club World Cup, showing great composure and quality despite their age,” he explained.
“But here at home, if a player makes one mistake, fans quickly jump to say he is old and should retire. It is unfair because some of these players still have so much to offer.”
The center-back believes experienced players bring balance and leadership that are crucial for any team’s success.
“Last season, our former captain Humphrey Mieno was a huge influence on the younger players like Baron Ochieng’, Joseph Kuloba, and Jack Ong’anya.
His experience lifted the entire squad. You can’t replace that kind of leadership easily,” Odhiambo said.
He also cited Police FC captain David “Cheche” Ochieng’ as an example of an older player who continues to excel.
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“Cheche led Police FC to their first FKF Cup and later their first league title. That is experience and leadership in action. They had a good number of experienced players who were very useful in their quest to the two trophies.
The more years you add, the better you understand the game. As long as a player’s body allows it, let them play judge them by their performance, not their age.”
Odhiambo, who shared a close bond with Mieno while at Sofapaka, revealed that longevity in football requires proper body management and discipline both on and off the pitch.
“To play for long, you must take care of yourself, watch what you eat, prioritize recovery, and get enough rest that’s what I’ve learnt from Mieno.
Many young players neglect these basics. We train hard but then sleep late, spend hours online, and forget recovery. Our bodies aren’t machines; they need rest,” he warned.
He praised Mieno and other senior players like Roy Okal and Mathare United captain Elli Asieche, who remain competitive because of their professionalism and discipline.
“Mieno is an example of professionalism. He takes care of his body and conducts himself well on and off the pitch. That’s why he’s still performing at a high level.
Elli Asieche is also another example and is among the early front runners for the golden boot. My teammate Roy Okal is still giving his all with us at the club. With proper discipline, recovery, and nutrition, age can truly become just a number,” Odhiambo concluded.