Africa-Press – Kenya. Harambee Stars centre-back Frank ‘Ariepa’ Odhiambo has underlined his growing influence in the national team setup following a commanding showing at the FIFA Series 2026 held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Having honed his craft in Sweden for four years, the 23-year-old Chulaimbo High School alumnus returned to Gor Mahia F.C. with renewed steel, showcasing composure, discipline and control in assured performances against Estonia and Grenada, prompting head coach Benni McCarthy to hail him as Kenya’s best across the two fixtures.
In the calm aftermath of the tournament, Odhiambo took stock with maturity, offering a balanced and reflective view of his contribution and the team’s direction. “I just want to help the team grow into something strong, competitive and respected again, not just in East Africa but across the continent,” he said.
“In the future, we are trying to build a team that can control games, defend with discipline and also hurt opponents. That is the level we want to reach.”
Harambee Stars opened with a hard-fought 1-1 stalemate against Estonia, eventually succumbing in the shootout. They returned with renewed purpose, emphatically dispatching Grenada 3-0.
“In the second game, my mindset was to be sharper in everything I do — my positioning, my timing in duels, my communication with teammates,” he said.
“I wanted to be more aggressive but also more controlled, making sure I win my battles and also help organise the line so that we move together as a unit.”
“I think we showed improvement as a team, especially in how we managed the game and limited the opponent’s chances.”
Beyond his core defensive duties, Odhiambo spoke of a clear intention to play a more progressive role in possession, reflecting the modern football paradigm that demands defenders who can dictate rhythm from the back.
“I don’t see myself as just a defender who clears the ball. I want to be involved in building attacks, carrying the ball forward and helping the team progress into dangerous areas,” he said.
“Football today requires defenders to be comfortable on the ball and to make decisions under pressure, and that is something I am always trying to improve.”
His grounding in Swedish football, shaped by his time at Djurgårdens IF and enriched through competitive loan spells at IF Karlstad and AFC Eskilstuna, has been fundamental in refining both his defensive intelligence and maturity.
“In Sweden, I learned a lot about discipline, both tactically and mentally. You have to be focused for 90 minutes because the game is very structured and mistakes are punished quickly,” he said.
“I also improved my reading of the game — understanding when to step in, when to drop, and how to position myself to protect the team.
“It wasn’t an easy journey because I had to adapt to a different style of football and a different environment, but those challenges helped me grow and become stronger.”
Since his return to Gor Mahia in January, Odhiambo has swiftly grown into a central figure within the squad, marking his influence with a decisive set-piece goal that underlined his growing authority. “Coming back home, I feel a big responsibility because Gor Mahia is a club with high expectations and a winning mentality,” he said.
“Every time I step on the pitch, I want to give everything for the badge and for the fans, because they demand success and they deserve it.”
His versatility has also been a major asset, with the defender occasionally deployed in midfield roles to provide balance and structure. “Wherever the coach needs me, I am ready to play because the most important thing is the team,” he said.
“I have played in different positions before, so I understand the roles, and I try to adapt quickly to help the team maintain shape and control.”
“Football today is not just about positions, it is about understanding space, movement and how to support your teammates in different phases of the game.”
Despite being a relatively new face in the national team, Odhiambo says he already feels at home within the Harambee Stars setup. “I don’t feel like a new player because the team has welcomed me very well and the environment is positive,” he said.
“There is a strong spirit in the squad, and everyone is working towards the same goal, which makes it easier to settle and perform.”
He also acknowledged McCarthy’s confidence in him, while emphasising the need to remain focused and consistent.
“It means a lot to receive that kind of trust from the coach, especially at this stage, but for me it is also a reminder that I have to keep working hard every day,” he said.
“I cannot relax because this is just the beginning of my journey with the national team, and I want to keep improving with every match.”
Looking ahead, Odhiambo has set his sights firmly on helping Kenya return to major continental competitions and compete at the highest level.
“Every player dreams of playing in big tournaments like AFCON and competing against the best teams in Africa,” he said.
“We want to take Kenya back to that level, not just to participate but to compete and make an impact.”
“We know it will take hard work, discipline and consistency, but we believe in what we are building as a team.”
As Harambee Stars continue their rebuilding process under McCarthy, Odhiambo’s emergence offers a strong foundation for the team’s defensive future.
“We are building something step by step, and you can already see the progress in how we play and understand each other,” he said.
“If we continue working together and improving, I believe the future is very bright for this team and for Kenyan football.”
