NAIROBI, Kenya, January 3- Kenya Premier League (KPL) player of the year George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo will this week join Danish Club Randers Fc on a long term deal.
The Gor Mahia FC striker leaves the country on Tuesday morning for Denmark where he will put pen to paper on his contract ending months of speculation.
“I am delighted to be moving to Europe as it has been one of my dreams. I have had two successful years at Gor but its time to move on to the next level. My dream is to play in the English Premier League and this is the first step towards achieving that goal,” said Odhiambo.
The teenage striker paid tribute to former coach James Siang’a who signed him up for Kogalo, “I would like to thank Siang’a because he gave me a chance to play for Gor and even though he coached me for just a few months, I learnt so much from him.”
Gor secretary Bob Arum said the club was delighted that Odhiambo had gotten his big break, “We are sad to lose him because he has been our best player for the last two years but at the same time we are encouraged because it’s a big breakthrough for Kenyan soccer. That a young man from humble background to go all the way and make it in life will be a huge encouragement to his peers so we are happy for George.”
The official was quick to reassure fans that the club has already made steps towards replacing Odhiambo.
“We have done our best to make sure that we replace him with other blackberrys. We will replace him the way we identified him; by going to the rural areas and pinpointing talent. We have already identified three strikers who will join us next season so fans should be rest assured that we are working hard.”
The 18 year old made his debut for Gor Mahia in February 2009 during their continental clash against APR of Rwanda. But he exploded in May that year scoring goals as Gor embarked on an impressive run in the second leg of the season finishing the season with nine goals.
The feat saw him crowned the KPL Young Player of the Year as well as the most promising man at the 2009 Safaricom Sportsman of the Year awards.
2010 was another successful season for the youngster as he again top scored for Gor with eight goals. But his contribution was just more than goals as he lead the Gor Mahia attack with poise and purpose helping the club achieve its best ever position in over a decade.
His exploits saw him crowned the KPL player of the Year at the annual awards.