)
The AFC Leopards academy product, who once went on trial at Inter Milan, has revealed he turned down the opportunity to play for Serbia in order to represent Harambee Stars.
Richard Odada has revealed he turned down an opportunity to play for the Serbia U21s in order to play for Harambee Stars.
Odada, who is currently in Kenya winding up his winter break before flying back to Denmark on Thursday, has further revealed that he turned down an opportunity to play for Harambee Stars a year earlier than his debut in 2021 as he felt he still was not ready at the time.
Speaking to Nation Sport, Odada, who also holds a Serbian passport having moved to the country in 2019, has revealed why he used to turn down inital Harambee Stars call ups until finally accepting one in September 2021.
)
17:28 - 29.12.2023
FOOTBALL Standout stars abroad: Kenyan footballers' global impact in 2023
Ten Kenyan footballers who excelled globally, showcasing skill and leadership in various leagues.
“I was called up before to play for Ghost Mulee but at the time I felt I was not ready. I am now quite happy playing for the Harambee Stars,” Odada said as quoted on Nation Sport.
Odada revealed in a previous interview on Jeff Kinyanjui’s Youtube Channel that he once went on trial at Juventus, Inter Milan and then Parma in 2018 before joining Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade.
It was at Red Star where he gained Serbian nationality and even received overtures from the Serbia u21 set up.
The former AFC Leopards academy product has taken a hands-on role in helping members of the local community to have a Christmas to remember by lining up a number of donations, including food stuff, at the Nakeel grounds in Kajiado.
)
08:32 - 26.12.2023
FOOTBALL Richard Odada reveals two Harambee Stars legends who inspired him
Richard Odada's journey from Serbia to Kenya's Harambee Stars reflects his love for his homeland and football aspirations.
He has also provided some inspiration to budding footballers thanks to his Richard Odada foundation.
The midfielder has spoken out against gender discrimination in football, speaking out against boys getting double what girls teams get at the many local football tournaments he has attended this month.
“That’s why I want to make a difference among the talented girls who have many challenges, including early pregnancies.
)
09:30 - 27.12.2023
Engin Firat spent 2023 shaping Harambee Stars in his image: Is the side ready for a monumental 2024?
With 2024 set to be a pivotal year for Harambee Stars given the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2024 CHAN on home soil, is the team ready following a mixed 2023?
“They deserve extra attention,” Odada said.
Meanwhile, the midfield maestro has asked Kenyans to “stop looking for excuses” in the new year, sending a message of inspiration in the process.
It’s a new year and we need to start in a positive way, focus well and stop looking for excuses,” Odada said.
“We can make it better than the last year.”
Follow our Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more updates.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)