Ulinzi Stars rookie Staphod Odhiambo fulfilled his childhood dream of scoring a goal in the Kenyan Premier League in the full glare of his parents.Odhiambo who rose from the bench found the back of the net on Sunday to inspire Ulinzi Stars to a 1-0 win over Vihiga Bullets at the Bukhungu Stadium. The goal saw the player who joined the four-time league champions from Bondo United take his season’s tally to three goals. Among those who followed the proceedings from the stands were his parents; Francis Odhiambo and Lencer Otieno who had traveled from Bondo to watch their son do what he does best. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6997003##The club’s marksman Hillary Simiyu also had his members of the extended family spread over the stands. Odhiambo revealed that playing and scoring a goal in the country’s top division in front of his parents was a dream he had been habouring from the time he began playing football, post high school studies. Police right back Erick Juma reaping the fruits of patience and hard workHe disclosed that his father had seen him play before but for the mother, it was her first time catching her first born express himself on the pitch. “It was a special game for me as I not only scored but also, did it in the glare of my parents and other members of the family. My dad had watched me play before but had never seen me score. For mum, she had never witnessed me kick a ball and it was refreshing to see her happy after the final whistle,” he said. Odhiambo who dedicated the goal to the family members lifted the lid on the words of encouragement they shared with him before embarking on the trip back to Nairobi. FC Talanta forward Brian Yakhama attracting interest from FKF PL top teamsThe youngster said his parents stressed to him on the significance of upholding professional discipline, working hard and remaining focused on his goals.”They reminded me the obvious after the game. Their words of encouragement will certainly drive me to work harder,” added the player whose sister Ashley Anyango play Netball.
