Ace Football presents a detailed list of the best defenders to have featured for the Harambee Stars.
It is always difficult for defenders to get the same recognition as their peers in other positions. However, some players exceed expectations in a way that is impossible to ignore their legendary achievements.
Having already presented our list of the best Kenyan goalkeepers of all time, we now take a look at the top defenders to have featured for the Harambee Stars.
5- Musa Otieno
Otieno started his senior career as a football prodigy, making his international debut at the age of 19. He went on to make 105 caps for Kenya following a quick integration into the national team’s squad.
The right-back’s achievements in the national team were concurrent with his successful club career. Having already played for AFC Leopards, Otieno moved to South African side Santos, where he made over 300 appearances and became a club legend.
The highlight of Otieno’s international career was his performances for Kenya during the 2003 African Cup of Nations.
4- David Owino
The only active star on our list, Owino has played for both Gor Mahia and Mathare United in his career. His performances were crucial to K’Ogalo’s league title in 2013, which ended their 18-year wait to claim the domestic trophy.
The right-back was a regular starter for Kenya during their 2012 and 2013 CECAFA campaigns. His incredible performance in the Harambee Stars’ World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in 2014 earned him the ‘Calabar’ nickname.
Following a move to Zesco United, Owino won the Faz Super League in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. In December 2020, the experienced defender ended his six-year spell at the club.
3- Peter Otieno Bassanga
Bassanga was a no-nonsense defender with great pace and physicality. He was fundamental to Kenya’s successful period in the 1980s, playing both as a left-back and a winger.
His consistent performances helped the Harambee Stars win three consecutive CECAFA Senior Challenge titles from 1981 to 1983. Under legendary manager Marshall Mulwa, Bassanga then developed into one of the best African defenders of his era. He was also a member of the Gor Mahia side that won the 1987 Africa Cup Winners Cup.
2- Bobby Ogola
Ogola was one of those defenders whose unglamorous playing style could result in underappreciating their impact. His ability to outmuscle the opponents in well-executed challenges also made him a reliable player in midfield.
However, ‘The Six Million Dollar Man’ spent most of his club career as a defender at Gor Mahia. Ogola’s presence in Kenya’s backline helped them win three consecutive CECAFA Senior Challenge titles between 1981 and 1983.
1- Austine Oduor
Austine Oduor is the best Kenyan defender of all time. He was the leader of Harambee Stars’ defense throughout the 80s. The Kenya legend made his international debut in 1985. However, it took him only two years to establish himself as the Harambee Stars’ captain.
Oduor played an impressive campaign for Kenya during the 1987 All-Africa Games tournament. The Harambee Stars finished fourth, with Oduor being one of the best players in the competition.
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