In His Cleats; An Interview with Mo Odour

Mo Odour is a semi-proffesional soccer player, currently a starter, co-captain, and most valuable player for the Harrisburg City Islanders. He is from Africa, and has started for the Kenyan National team.

Q: What was it like moving from Kenya, Africa, to the U.S? How old were you when you came over?

A: It was very exciting for me. I always wanted and dreamt of coming to the U.S and when I got offered a scholarship to play soccer at University of Charleston you can imagine how pumped I was. I was 20 years old and I knew it was going to be difficult adjusting to life on my own in a foreign country, but I was ready for the challenges that came along with moving away from my family.

Q: What is the culture in Kenya like?

A: Since there are more than 40 different communities or "tribes", Kenyan culture is very diverse and rather fascinating with each group exhibiting its own unique culture. The culture is based more on old tradition but is becoming increasingly influenced by Western cultures.
The most popular culture that attracts a huge interest from tourists is exhibited by the "Maasai" people who have stuck to their old traditions and beliefs with very little influence if any from the western cultures.

Q: What position did you play in college? What was it like to win an All-American title as a sophomore? What did you major in at college?

A: I majored in Business Administration.
I was a central defender in college and I never thought I would play anywhere else but that changed when I joined the Islanders where I play midfield. To be selected All American as a sophomore was a big deal since it meant I was one of the top college players at that time. It also attracted interest from several top division one colleges like Wake Forest, UCLA, James Madison, VCU and URI. In the end I decided to join Furman University a top 10 division one school at that time where I played with current U.S national team players Clint Dempsey and Ricardo Clark.

Q: Do you keep in touch with relatives and friends still in Kenya?

A: I definitely still keep in touch with my family and since I have been here for a long time, I have lost contacts with most of my friends in Kenya.

Q: Before you came to the U.S, you played for the under 20 Kenyan national team. What was it like playing for them? How is that different from playing here?

A: It felt great knowing I was representing my country in something that I loved doing. You can imagine how much attention we attracted all over the country with soccer being the number one sport there. Roads would be blocked for us and would be given police escort with their sirens on when we were going to games, so it felt pretty special and it’s an experience I will never forget.


Q: Your number is 19, is there a reason why?

A: I just randomly got number 19 when I joined the Islanders.



Q: How did you begin playing soccer, what started your career?

A: My dad used to play and coach soccer, so I had to get into it because he loved playing with me and my brother when he was home. He also took me to watch soccer games with him and I just fell in love with the sport.

Q: In your career, have you ever had to overcome any injuries? If so, was it hard to work through it?

A: I have been very fortunate because I haven’t had any major injuries (knock on wood) that have kept me out for a long time.

Q: Who are your favorite musicians? (American or African)

A: Since I like different kinds of music, I have quite a few but my top ones are Bob Marley, Ijahman Levi, Gregory Isaacs all reggae musicians.

Q: How do you like to relax?

A: I relax by watching soccer on TV and reading about soccer stuff online.

Q: Do you have any hobbies besides soccer?

A: Playing poker, surfing the net, swimming, oh wait a minute I can’t swim, so knock that off my hobbies.


Q: What do you plan to do after you are retired?

A: After I retire from playing, I plan on getting involved in college soccer as a coach

Q: Are you and Brian Ombiji good friends? How did you know each other?

A: We are very good friends and so were our families. We grew up in the same neighborhood, and actually his dad coached me when I was in high school.

Q: Did you have a lot of spare time left to studying/playing soccer for fun in college?

A: I had enough time especially after the soccer season.

Q: What advice do you have for any players hoping to work their way up like you?

A: Work hard and have self belief and confidence in whatever you do

Q: Is the City Islanders like family to you?

A: City Islanders have been like family to me ever since I moved to Harrisburg. I have met a lot of people who have become very close because of the bonds built while working together as a team in trying to accomplish common goals

Q: Who was your idol when you were younger? Why?
A: My idol was Diego Maradona who is arguably the best ever soccer player to have graced the game.

Q: What is your favorite sports brand? (Adidas, Nike, puma, etc.)

A: Nike

Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

A: No pets, but I used to have a dog when I was growing up in Kenya

Q: You were a co-captain of the city islanders. What was that like?

A: It was an honor to be regarded as one of the leaders and a model especially for rookies who looked up to me

Q: Are you currently coaching any soccer teams?

A: I am the Technical trainer for Gettysburg Youth Soccer club, so I do a lot of coaching for all GYSC travel teams

Allie Mack