Ex- Stars striker says team needs experienced coach Retired international reveals why his son opted for Belgium Then Harambee Stars technical bench headed by Adel Amrouche assisted by James Nandwa unsuccessfully attempted to lure Divock to Kenya in 2014. He eventually chose Belgium, a team he turned out for at the 2014 Fifa World Cup, scoring his first goal against Russia.
Divock Origi considered donning the Harambee Stars jersey before eventually settling for Belgium’s Red Devils.
According to the player’s father, Mike Okoth Origi, the young Liverpool star was put off by wrangles that had at the time rocked Kenyan football, alongside a lack of elaborate structures to help him develop.
Okoth, a former Kenya international who is currently based in Belgium, revealed this to Daily Nation Sport during an exclusive interview on Wednesday.
"I remember at that time there was some standoff between the league and federation. He read about that stuff and it really put him off,” Okoth said.
The former Kenyan football great who turned from goalkeeper to international striker added: “But obviously there were other issues (to consider), like playing at the Euros or World Cup for a big national team in Europe.
“Nevertheless, Divock is a Kenyan with a Belgium passport. He speaks fluent Kiswahili, comes to Kenya often and enjoys Kenyan food the most.”
Then Harambee Stars technical bench headed by Adel Amrouche assisted by James Nandwa unsuccessfully attempted to lure Divock to Kenya in 2014.
He eventually chose Belgium, a team he turned out for at the 2014 Fifa World Cup, scoring his first goal against Russia.
He caught plenty of eyes and earned a Sh1.8-billion move to England.
“It is a debut season for him at Liverpool and this comes with settling in, you know.
“He has done well and will continue to improve. The English league isn’t easy,” the 48-year-old Okoth who turned out for Shabana and Kenya Breweries (now Tusker) before moving to Europe for a successful 15 years professional career said of his son’s performances in the English Premier League this season.
On Harambee Stars recent performances, Okoth who led the line for Kenya at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1990, 1992 and 2004, is of the opinion that the team needs an experienced coach.
“I was at the stadium during Sunday’s game (against Guinea Bissau) and was disappointed with the technical bench’s decision to start with one striker and yet we were chasing the game and badly needed a win at home. I think we need a more experienced person to take charge of the team. I also ask the fans to support the new FKF President Nick Mwendwa,” Okoth added.
Okoth, who is a cousin to former Gor Mahia captain and Kenya international Austin Oduor, works as an international football agent with European-based Kirola Sports Agency.
He was in the country to attend a family memorial service.
