'I just want to make it': Gor Mahia's Bryton Onyona eyes Harambee Stars debut

Bryton Onyona.

You've probably heard the commentator mention this unique name if you happen to follow Kenya's local football scene. If you haven't, you'll probably get the hang of it sometime in the near future.

I would be exaggerating if I said I have listened to every single post-match presser word uttered by every coach in the SportPesa Premier League this season. Managers often use familiar patterns when responding to questions after games, depending on the result or drama on the pitch. But once in a while, a stand-out quote often cuts through the noise. So when one describes a player as a “typical European left-back,” we have to take notice.

Gor Mahia’s imperious form this season is no luck or coincidence. For years, the phrase “perennial league champions” has practically been part of every journalist’s opening sentence when referring to K’Ogalo. 21 league titles later, their dominance is unmatched, and their conveyor belt of talent continues to produce the next generation of stars.

The latest one is 20-year-old Bryton Onyona, an ex-Gor Mahia Youth player who has smoothly been slotted into the senior team under coach Charles Akonnor.

After seven games, only an early-season loss to Bidco, which seems long ago, taints the green army's record. Akonnor's men sit pretty at the top of the log, with 4 wins in their last 5 games. His secret? Confidence in his players.

One player the ex-Asante Kotoko manager has trusted and tossed into the deep end is Onyona, who has so far been impressive at left-back. He recently earned loads of praise from the Ghanaian tactician after his national team call-up.

“He is very smart. He processed everything we told him, and now what we are adding to his game is that he must be dangerous when attacking. He is a typical European left-back, and he processes it very well. We are pleased to have him,” said the ex Black Stars coach.

The defender was among three new faces introduced by Benni McCarthy to the senior side. Alongside Celta Vigo youngster Aldrine Kibet and Nairobi United's Kevin Otiende, he failed to hide his elation on earning his maiden call-up.

"It's a great feeling to be here. Different environment, top level, representing the nation, I am very proud," he said, speaking to The Standard during the team's final training session at Nyayo Stadium on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Potential Harambee Stars debut

Fresh off an impressive CHAN 2024 performance, McCarthy's boys bagged two high-calibre friendlies in Turkey this month. On November 14, they face Equatorial Guinea at the Emir Complex in Antalya, and the full-back hopes he gets the chance to show his worth.

"I just want to play a good game, I want my country to win, of course," he explained.  

The eloquent defender excelled in his KCSE exams and is now pursuing an Actuarial Science degree at JKUAT. His face lit up when I mentioned Senegal, who Kenya face on November 18, in perhaps one of the most-anticipated friendlies by us in recent months.

Big life changes are often the result of a series of small key events. A potential Harambee Stars debut could be one of those "sliding doors" moments for him, as he hopes to maintain the home support of Homa Bay County when he makes it big.

"My chance has come. Now they can all find a place to watch their son play for the national team," he hoped.

Just before he was called up to join the squad, who were almost on their paces, Onyona did not mince his words when I posed the question, "What gets you out of bed in the morning?"

"I just want to make it," he answered.

"I want to make it to that place everybody dreams of. But you have to work hard, be smart, and have commitment. It's not an easy journey, but I am determined to make it there," he concluded, running straight into the team huddle.

Who is Onyona?

Onyona first caught the attention of football faithful during the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament, where his standout performances earned him the Kisumu County MVP award. His talent took him to Spain with the Chapa Dimba All-Stars in December 2024, where he further impressed and got a scholarship.

His humble journey began at Oriwo High School and Kotiang’a United FC before Gor Mahia Youth snapped him up, later loaning him out to Obunga FC to gain some experience. After he returned, his eye-catching performances quickly forced the attention of K'Ogalo's technical bench, leading to promotion to the senior team early this year.

Onyona's attack-minded and fearless style of play has earned him man-of-the-match honours in top games fixtures, including the FKF Cup quarter-final win over Kariobangi Sharks. His is composure, veracity, and energy, and versatility somewhat defies the stereotype of an upcoming athlete.

Since the two fixtures will be staged in Turkey, McCarthy might actually consider a "European-type" player if he desires victories against the National Thunder and Lions of Teranga.

Facts about Harambee Stars friendlies in Turkey

• Kenya will face Equatorial Guinea at the Emir Complex on November 14
• Harambee Stars tackle Senegal's Lions of Teranga at Mardan Stadium on Nov 14
• Both games kick off at 1800 hours.
• Kevin Otiende, Aldrine Kibet and Bryton Onyona earned maiden call-ups