Grimsby Town midfielder admits he believed his Harambee Stars career was over
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 02.04.26. | 20:09
Oduor earned a recall under head coach Benni McCarthy for the FIFA Series tournament in Kigali
Grimsby Town midfielder Clarke Oduor has expressed his satisfaction at returning to the Harambee Stars setup after a lengthy absence, revealing he had previously believed his time with the national team had come to an end.
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The winger is now focused on securing a consistent role in the squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Oduor earned a recall under head coach Benni McCarthy for the FIFA Series tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, where he featured in Kenya’s 3-0 victory over Grenada as the team finished third.
His inclusion marked a return to the international stage after nearly two years out of the squad.
The midfielder first made his Harambee Stars debut in 2020 against Zambia but had to wait three years for another opportunity.
That appearance, in a friendly against South Sudan, ended prematurely after he was substituted shortly after coming on, during Engin Firat’s tenure as head coach. The experience contributed to uncertainty over his international future.
“Wearing the Kenyan badge again reminded me who I am,” the wing back is quoted by The Star.
“There was a moment I thought that chapter had closed, but football always gives you another chance if you stay ready.”
Oduor noted that his experiences have reinforced the demands of international football, highlighting the importance of decisiveness and efficiency when opportunities arise at that level.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that international football never forgives hesitation. At this level, you don’t get endless chances; sometimes it’s just one moment, a half chance at best, and if you don’t take it, the game moves on without you.”
During the match against Grenada, Oduor had a first-half opportunity to score his maiden international goal but failed to convert from a promising position. The chance remains a point of reflection for the midfielder.
“I replay that chance a lot,” he said. “At this level, those moments define you. Next time, I have to be ruthless.”
He further pointed to a competitive environment within the current squad, emphasising the collective ambition among players as the team continues to build.
“There is a new energy in the team,” he said. “You can feel the hunger. Everyone is fighting not just to play, but to build something special.”
With the 2027 AFCON set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Oduor stated his intention to establish himself firmly within the team setup and contribute consistently.
“AFCON 2027 is not just another competition for us,” he said. “It is our moment as a country. We have to arrive ready, not just to participate, but to compete. Personally, I want to cement my place in the team,” he said. “No more in and out. I want to be someone the coach can rely on every time.”