From Allan Thigo to Austin Oduor, Michael Olunga to Erick “Marcelo” Ouma, and more recently Austine Odhiambo and Sylvester Owino , Gor Mahia’s legacy as a breeding ground for national team talent continues to shine.
The latest to carry that torch is Bryton Onyona, the young left-back whose steady rise has now earned him a maiden call-up to the Harambee Stars.
The 20-year-old, who rose through Gor Mahia’s youth ranks, has been one of the standout performers in the early stages of the 2025/26 SportPesa League campaign. His consistency, maturity and attacking drive have caught the eye of both fans and the national team selectors.
Onyona has been included in head coach Benni McCarthy’s squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal, scheduled for November 14 and 18 in Turkey. The call-up marks a major milestone in what has been a breakout season for the promising full-back.
Speaking about his selection, Onyona could hardly contain his excitement.
“I did not expect it to happen this soon. I had just finished training and was on my way to buy new trainers in town when Alpha (Onyango) called to tell me the news. Moments later, I got a call from the team manager congratulating me. I was in shock. I didn’t even get to take my usual afternoon nap!” Onyona told SportPesa a local news blog.
His humility and surprise only add to the charm of a player who has quietly worked his way into Gor Mahia’s first team, earning trust through solid defending, intelligent movement and calmness under pressure.
Head coach Charles Akonnor was full of praise for the youngster: “He is a very smart boy. He has processed everything we have told him, and now we are adding more to his game, especially looking dangerous going forward. He is a typical European-style left-back, and he’s adapting very well. We are pleased to have him.”
Onyona’s rise reflects Gor Mahia’s renewed focus on nurturing young, homegrown talent capable of excelling at both club and national levels. His story is not just one of individual achievement but also of continuity another chapter in a proud tradition of K’Ogalo players shining on the international stage.
As he prepares to don the national colors for the first time, Gor Mahia fans will no doubt be watching with pride, knowing one of their own is ready to fly both the club and national flags even higher.
