I want to retire at Bandari says Otewa

As his career stretches to its sunset years, experienced Bandari right back Duncan Otewa says he is aiming at preserving his more than decade-long allegiance by retiring at the club.

In a rare gesture of loyalty, the old-timer who joined the dockers in 2010 from National Super League(NSL) outfit Modern Coast Rangers does not visualize playing against his boyhood club, which he forever indebted for scouting and giving him the opportunity to showcase his talent.

The 35- year old player disclosed that his firm fidelity to the coastal club was informed by the urge to make his father Gordon Orende, a former defender at the club proud by scaling to the heights he failed to reach during his stay at the club.

Born and raised in Mombasa, the Bandari Youth graduate demonstrated his faithfulness to the club after turning down offers from Sher Karuturi who have since rebranded to Vegpro FC in 2011 and a lucrative one from Gor in 2013.

He says, he rejected suitors as a sign of respect to the club which gave him a chance in the top flight and to accomplish the job his dad had begun.

“It is my desire to retire at Bandari. The reason why I turned down offers is I wanted to complete my dad’s legacy at the club. He was a defender in the 80s but did not get the opportunity to play in the top flight. I could not have left before achieving that and winning titles for him and the club. I also felt comfortable here and the club did its best to retain me,” he revealed.

Otewa who extended his stay at the club for one year after accepting a new deal late last year has in the meantime said he has five more seasons remaining before he hangs his boots.

Having won three shield cups with the club and played at the continental level as well as earning a Stars call up in 2016, Otewa is satisfied with his achievements while in a Bandari shirt and is confident his successor Nicholas Meja who has a handful of Harambee Stars call ups will keep the fire burning. 

“I still have five more years remaining in my career before calling it a day. I pray that the management grants my wish to retire here and at forty. I am happy I have helped the club win three titles and groomed my successor who has already won the admiration from the national team,” he added.

Otewa was named the Bandari skipper in 2015 a rank he held for three years before relinquishing the armband to Felly Mulumba. He is currently the second assistant to Bernard Odhiambo.