Gor Mahia defender on dealing with increased fame after CHAN
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 11.12.25. | 20:02
His fame has translated to the stands, with fans singing his praises while kids scramble for his autograph on various memorabilia
Gor Mahia stalwart Sylvester Owino has opened up on handling increased fame after an impressive performance in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
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Owino was an integral figure in Kenya's men's national senior football team, Harambee Stars, that reached the quarter-final stage in the 2024 CHAN held in August.
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The former Kakamega Homeboyz defender’s performance earned him a huge following and admirers on social media and especially on TikTok, fame that has partially translated to the stands, with fans singing his praises while kids scramble for his autograph on various memorabilia.
Speaking to the press after the 1-0 loss to sworn enemies AFC Leopards in the 98th Mashemeji Derby, the 24-year-old explained handling his burgeoning fame.
“It (fame) is crazy. It was crazier after CHAN. It was even difficult to move around, but right now the pressure has reduced to some degree, and I am managing,” said Owino.
While the fame has increased the spotlight on the otherwise shy Owino, he chose to focus on the positive aspect of it.
“It makes me happy, though, because it is the hard work that makes people recognise me and so I will keep on pushing and working hard to earn recognition not only in Kenya but also around the world,” he added.
In the local league, Owino has started all but one match for K’Ogalo, who had posted a decent start to the season until their recent back-to-back losses to APS Bomet and AFC Leopards.
With fans particularly unhappy with the Mashemeji Derby loss, Owino took time to encourage the club’s faithful.
“We have another match which we have to prepare to win to reduce the pain that the fans felt with the derby loss,” he stated.
As it stands, the Kenyan giants are second on the log with 19 points, one shy of league leaders Kenya Police FC.
K’Ogalo will be away to Bandari FC in their next league match scheduled for Friday, 12 December at the KPA Sports Club, Mbaraki.
