Austin Odhiambo’s elder brother joins AFC Leopards

AFC Leopards have intensified their preparations for the new FKF Premier League campaign with the acquisition of seasoned attacking midfielder Tyson Otieno, who has penned a two-year deal with the 12-time champions.

Otieno, widely admired for his creativity and technical brilliance, arrives at Ingwe barely a month after leaving Kenya Police FC, where he played a significant role in guiding the law enforcers to their historic maiden league title.

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The 27-year-old’s move adds both depth and experience to Leopards’ midfield as the club seeks to end its 27-year-long wait for silverware.

The signing carries a touch of family heritage, as Tyson is the elder brother of Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars playmaker Austin Odhiambo.

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Interestingly, Austin himself began his professional journey with Leopards, having joined the club in 2016 through the youth system before earning promotion to the senior team in 2019. Tyson now retraces that family path, albeit at a later stage in his career.

Confirming the deal through an official statement, Leopards hailed their latest recruit stating: "Tyson Otieno is a Leopard. AFC Leopards is delighted to announce that attacking midfielder Tyson Otieno has signed a two-year contract with the club. The former Wazito FC, Kariobangi Sharks and Kenya Police FC midfielder brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the team. Welcome to AFC Leopards, Tyson."

Speaking after his unveiling, Otieno expressed excitement at the opportunity to represent one of Kenya’s most decorated clubs.

He highlighted his long-standing admiration for Leopards’ style of play and revealed that his relationship with head coach Fred Ambani was instrumental in sealing the deal.

"I am excited to join this legendary club. It has always been the club’s dream to win a trophy, and I want to play a role in achieving that, God willing. I will give my best to this wonderful club. AFC Leopards’ style of play and my relationship with Coach Fred Ambani motivated me to come here," he said.

Otieno becomes Leopards’ fifth off-season signing, joining an ambitious recruitment drive that has already seen the club bring in Ivorian defender Rami Lasso Coulibaly from Morocco’s Chabab Alam Tanger, Ugandan forward Samuel Ssenyonjo from Express FC, defender Brian Ojok Nyongesa from Soy United, and NSL 2024/25 Golden Boot winner Elias Mugane from Fortune Sacco.

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The club has also promoted several youth prospects, including Jamal Obeid, Samuel Ambale Kusindi, and Deng Kang, further underlining its commitment to both experience and youth development.