Harambee Stars defensive midfielder Richard Odada is relishing filling the shoes of former skipper Victor Wanyama, who has since retired from international football. Odada assumed the role held by Wanyama in September 2021 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier game against Uganda, played at the Nyayo National Stadium. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7312201##Since debuting for Stars, Odada has never looked back, as he has stuck in the team as well as plugged in the gap left by Wanyama – whose last engagement with the national team was in March 2021.Reflecting on the matches he has played, and the comparison he continues to draw with Wanyama, Odada said it was a privilege for him to be considered and inherit the defensive midfield role position.Harambee Stars midfielder, Richard Odada joins Najor Soccer League (MLS) side, Philadelphia Union from Red Star Belgrade of Serbia.Odada played for AFC Leopards U20 side before moving to Europe.#KenyansAbroad pic.twitter.com/hXoLXggToy— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) August 2, 2022 The former AFC Leopards youth team player revealed that he was a great fan of Wanyama and has been looking up to him.”He is a great player, everybody knows him. When I was called and given the opportunity, I was excited. I was certain that it was my turn,” he offered.Wanyama called time on his international career in September 2021 after he was overlooked in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers where his place in the team was handed to Odada, with Michael Olunga taking the leadership role.Although there have been attempts led by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to lure him back, the Montreal midfielder is yet to formally rescind his decision to retire.”Whatever happens behind the scenes is beyond my control” – Olunga responds to latest transfer rumorsOdada currently plies trade in the Major League Soccer with Philadelphia Union – an outfit he joined in August last year from Red Star Belgrade of Serbia.Five days ago, Odada managed to watch his idol in Wanyama from the bench, when Philadelphia beat Montreal 3-0 in a league match played at the Subaru Park.
