Austine Odhiambo’s departure from Gor Mahia has been confirmed, ending weeks of speculation and ushering in a new chapter for one of Kenyan football’s most gifted midfielders with a high-profile move to Lebanese giants Nejmeh SC.
The Harambee Stars midfielder completed his transfer to the Beirut-based club, marking his first professional stint outside Kenyan football after several impressive seasons in the FKF Premier League with record champions Gor Mahia.
Odhiambo’s exit brings closure to persistent rumours that had linked the creative playmaker with clubs in Belgium and parts of Asia, speculation that intensified following his consistent performances in domestic and continental competitions.
Nejmeh SC officially announced the signing through their Facebook page, warmly welcoming the Kenyan international and expressing confidence that he would add creativity, energy and goals to their midfield ahead of the new Lebanese Premier League season.
The Lebanese giants, one of the most decorated clubs in the Middle East, underlined their belief in Odhiambo’s quality, describing him as a player capable of making an immediate impact and exciting their passionate supporters in Beirut.
Shortly after the announcement, Odhiambo penned an emotional farewell message to Gor Mahia, thanking the club, teammates, coaches and fans for shaping his career and standing by him during both triumphant and challenging moments.
In his message, the midfielder described Gor Mahia as his football home, crediting the club for believing in his talent and giving him a platform to grow into a national team regular admired across the region.
Odhiambo leaves K’Ogalo having played a pivotal role in recent league campaigns, where his vision, passing range and eye for goal made him one of the most influential midfielders in Kenyan football.
His performances earned him national recognition, with Harambee Stars coaches regularly trusting him in key fixtures, a testament to his maturity, consistency and ability to control matches at the highest level.
For Gor Mahia, Odhiambo’s departure represents a significant loss, but club officials have previously maintained that facilitating players’ moves abroad aligns with their long-term vision of exporting local talent to bigger leagues.
The move to Nejmeh SC presents Odhiambo with an opportunity to test himself in a more competitive and physically demanding environment, while gaining invaluable exposure in Middle Eastern football.
Kenyan football fans will keenly watch his progress in Lebanon, hopeful that his success abroad will further enhance the country’s reputation as a growing source of quality footballers.
Nejmeh, known for their demanding supporters and rich history, will expect Odhiambo to quickly adapt and deliver performances that justify their faith in signing him.
As he embarks on this new journey, Odhiambo carries with him the pride of Gor Mahia, the expectations of Harambee Stars supporters, and the ambition of a player determined to succeed beyond home borders.
His move stands as another reminder that Kenyan footballers are increasingly attracting international attention, signaling positive strides for the local game and inspiring young talents dreaming of similar opportunities abroad.
