Oduor: One Chat With Benni McCarthy Brought Me Back to Harambee Stars
One Benni McCarthy Call Ended Oduor’s Six-Year Kenya Exile
Clarke Oduor had not worn a Harambee Stars shirt since October 2020. Then Benni McCarthy called. And just like that, the Grimsby Town midfielder was back.
Oduor returned to international duty on March 30, starting Kenya’s 3-0 win over Grenada in Kigali — his first cap in nearly six years. The turnaround, he says, came down to one conversation.
“From the first conversation I had with him, it was clear that he’s got new ideas and he’s got a real vision and a real plan,” Oduor said of the Harambee Stars head coach.
That was enough. McCarthy’s clarity of purpose cut through whatever doubts had kept Oduor away. His last appearance had been a 2-1 friendly win over Zambia at Nyayo National Stadium — a distant memory until the call came.
The return matters beyond one result. Oduor brings experience from England’s lower leagues and a grounded perspective. He has spoken openly about mental health, discipline, and financial planning for players beyond their careers.
McCarthy is reshaping Harambee Stars. And players like Oduor are buying in.