Africa-Press – Kenya. Harambee Stars midfielder Richard Odada has backed the team’s structured build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, saying their current high-intensity preparation phase — coupled with lessons from the FIFA Series in Kigali — will be key to delivering a competitive performance when Kenya co-hosts the tournament.
Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, will stage the tournament between June 19 and July 18. Under head coach Benni McCarthy, Kenya has set a clear target of progressing beyond the group stage — a goal Odada believes is realistic if preparation remains consistent.
“The coach has made it clear what is expected from us,” Odada said. “We are not going there just to participate, we are going there to compete.”
A key part of that process has been the integration of new and emerging talent, with players such as Austine Odhiambo stepping into prominent roles during recent international windows. “Competition in the squad is healthy,” Odada said. “It pushes everyone to raise their level and fight for their place.”
The inclusion of heritage-based players from Europe is also expected to strengthen the squad’s depth ahead of the tournament. “Players coming from different leagues bring different qualities,” he said. “It helps us grow tactically as a team.”
The FIFA Series in Kigali offered a practical test of that evolving squad, exposing both strengths and weaknesses. Kenya drew 1-1 with Estonia before losing on penalties, then responded with a 3-0 victory over Grenada — a performance Odada described as a step forward. “In the Estonia game, we controlled possession but didn’t manage key moments well,” Odada said. “Those are the situations we have to improve on.”
The midfielder admitted his missed penalty in the shootout was a difficult personal moment, but one he has used as motivation. “You always want to contribute positively in those situations,” he said. “But when things don’t go your way, you learn and move on.”
Kenya’s response against Grenada, however, highlighted the team’s growing resilience. “The reaction in the second match was very important,” Odada said. “It showed that we can adjust and improve within a short period.”
The team’s preparation has not been without challenges. A heavy friendly defeat to the Senegal national football team in late 2025 exposed defensive frailties, while ongoing stadium renovations continue under scrutiny from CAF. “We know where we need to improve,” Odada said. “The important thing is that we are working on those areas as a team.”
He believes Kenya’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers also offers an opportunity to test progress against diverse opposition. “Those matches are important for our development,” he said. “They help us measure ourselves and see how far we have come.”
“If we stay focused and continue improving, we can achieve something special,” he said. “The foundation we are building now will be very important for that tournament.”
Away from the national setup, Odada’s club form has provided a steady platform for his growth. The midfielder currently features for UTA Arad in Romania’s top-flight Liga 1, where he has established himself as a regular starter since joining in September 2025.
The Kenyan international has made 14 league appearances, clocking 919 minutes, with 16 appearances across all competitions. While he is yet to register a goal or assist, his role has been more about shielding the backline, breaking up play, and maintaining structure in midfield. Odada’s passing accuracy stands at approximately 74.9 per cent, underlining his role as a stabiliser rather than a risk-taking playmaker.
However, his combative style has also seen him pick up three yellow cards and one red card. He featured as a substitute in a 5–1 victory over Metaloglobus Bucharest on April 5, playing 31 minutes, having earlier served a suspension following a red card against FCSB.
Despite that setback, his run of 90-minute performances against CFR Cluj and FC Argeș Pitești earlier in the year signaled growing trust from his coaches. “The move to Romania has helped me find consistency again,” Odada said. “Playing regularly gives you confidence and rhythm.”
“It was frustrating at first because I had to wait before playing,” he said. “But I stayed patient and kept working, and when the chance came, I was ready.”
Long before the European moves and international caps, Odada’s journey was shaped in the classrooms and pitches of Laiser Hill Academy in Ongata Rongai. As a student-athlete in the school’s boarding program, he balanced academics with intense football development, featuring prominently in inter-school and regional competitions.
The institution became his launchpad, paving the way for his move into the professional ranks with AFC Leopards and later a breakthrough opportunity in Europe with Red Star Belgrade.
