Okidi backs teen sensation Odongo to replace departing star Tegisi

Shabana FC head coach Peter Okidi is confident that 17-year-old attacker Austin Odongo has what it takes to step into the shoes of outgoing forward Matthew Tegisi, who is set to leave the club.

Odongo made an impressive debut, scoring Shabana’s second goal in their 2-0 victory over KCB just ten minutes after replacing Tegisi on the pitch.

While acknowledging the significant gap Tegisi's departure will leave, Okidi expressed optimism about Odongo's potential.

“We will miss Tegisi because he was central to our plans and a key player for the team. As he moves on to a new chapter, we wish him all the best,” said Okidi.

He added, “Odongo is a very promising talent. You all saw his impact in the KCB match, scoring soon after coming on. We are confident he has what it takes to step up and fill Tegisi's role.”

Odongo, who joined Shabana this season from Ebwali Secondary School, has already garnered attention for his exceptional performances.

He was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) during the Talanta Hela U-19 competition earlier this year, where he also emerged as the top scorer with 10 goals.

Additionally, the youngster shone on the international stage, leading the scoring charts at the 2024 Costa Daurada Cup in Barcelona, Spain, with three goals while representing Kenya’s Talanta Hela U-19 boys.

Meanwhile, Tegisi is set to join Tanzania’s Pamba Jiji FC after a one-year stint at Shabana. The former Mombasa Elite forward played a pivotal role in Shabana’s resurgence this season, netting five goals.

Tegisi’s final match for Shabana was the victory against KCB, after which he will team up with fellow Kenyan Christopher Oruchum at Pamba Jiji.