Grit and glory: Alpha Onyango’s journey — from Makongeni streets to Harambee Stars

In the bustling neighborhood of Nairobi’s Makongeni estate along 1000 Street area, where dreams often collide with harsh realities, a young boy once navigated potholed roads to the dusty pitch with a worn-out football at his feet, dreaming of greatness.

Today, that boy is Alpha Onyango, a rising star in Kenyan football, donning the national team colors and inspiring a new generation of talent.

It may sound far from an inspiring tale but the determined boy has grown into one of the most promising midfielders, carving his name into the fabric of Kenyan football with grit, grace and an unshakable belief in his destiny that has been seen his goal-scoring prowess and creative brilliance for club (Gor Mahia) and country being appreciated by all.

His journey, from the dusty pitches of Makongeni where football presents a huge hope for the young generation to the hallowed and polished stadiums of the Harambee Stars— is more than just a football fairytale, it’s a testament to resilience, hard work, perseverance, family sacrifice and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

Onyango’s love for football began at a young age in the narrow alleys of Makongeni, where he honed his skills in makeshift tournaments and local academies. But it was at Kakamega High School (Green Commandos), Kenya’s famed football nursery, where his talent truly flourished and exploded onto the national stage.

Even before completing high school, Alpha’s potential was undeniable. While still a student, he signed a deal with Gor Mahia, Kenya’s most successful football club. During school holidays, he sharpened his skills with Gor Mahia’s youth team, competing in U20 tournaments and gaining invaluable experience and earning a reputation as a midfield dynamo – and that, was just the beginning of a good story any young talent would wish follow.

In 2018, he was instrumental in Kakamega’s national school title triumph, a victory that cemented the school’s reputation as a football powerhouse. A year later, he led the team once again in national secondary schools football, showcasing his midfield mastery, vision, tenacity and technical brilliance that would soon attract top Kenyan clubs — but he had already signed a contract with K’Ogalo thus locking out any club salivating for his services.

Since breaking into Gor Mahia's first team, Alpha has established himself as a key playmaker, contributing to a number of goals in the past seasons. His ability to dictate play while chipping in with crucial goals has made him one of the most complete midfielders in the Kenyan Premier League.

“Those high school battles shaped me. The pressure, the rivalries—it was like playing for a Premier League club. That’s where I learned to fight for every ball,” Alpha recalls.

His transition to senior football was seamless, proving that his high school dominance was no fluke. Yet, Alpha remains humble about his rise.

At Gor Mahia, he has etched his name into the club’s history by matching Peter Dawo’s long-standing record (set in 1988) of scoring four goals in consecutive cup matches—a feat he achieved in the recently concluded season, despite K’Ogalo’s narrow defeat to Nairobi United in the final.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier revealed that the club identified Alpha’s talent early and secured his signing while other teams were still hesitant.

"Like many promising young players we’ve brought in, we first noticed Alpha through our scouts when he was just 17, still in high school. Given his age, we worked closely with his mother to ensure a smooth transition," Rachier explained.

"It’s been a long journey, requiring significant effort, but our relationship with his family has remained strong. The support (which includes building a house for his mother back at home) we have provided Alpha and his mother has helped him fully embrace the club, and he has proven to be an exceptionally dedicated player. His commitment is unwavering, and with his contract running until 2028, we are confident he’ll continue to excel," the Gor Mahia chairman added.

For fans who live for goals, Alpha is a constant source of excitement, delivering moments that light up the pitch. But his brilliance isn’t limited to scoring—for those who appreciate the artistry of midfield play, he is the ultimate entertainer. A true maestro in the center of the park, he dictates the flow of the game with authority, a quality that earned him the Man of the Match award in the CHAN fixture against DR Congo.

“It wasn’t easy, but I thank God for where I am. Every training session, every match—I treat it like my last,” he says.

Reflecting on his journey, Alpha admits it wasn’t always smooth, but he remains grateful: “Football has given me so much. It wasn’t easy, but with God’s grace, I have come this far,” he says.

Behind every great athlete is a story of sacrifice, and for Alpha, that story is deeply tied to his family. Raised by a single mother, the fourth born in a family of three boys and three girls recalls the struggles they endured and he knows the weight of responsibility.

“Life was tough, but my mother did everything to support us. I play for her and my siblings—they are my motivation,” he shares.

His brother, Erick Ochieng’, a former Nairobi City Stars midfielder, was his earliest inspiration he appreciates: “Watching him play made me believe I could do it too. He truly inspired and showed me that with hard work, anything is possible.”

Wearing the national team jersey is a dream many Kenyan boys harbor, but only a few achieve. For Alpha, pulling on the Harambee Stars colors is both an honor and a stepping stone – he is representing

Kenya in CHAN tournament and already won a man of the match accolade after his stellar performance against DR Congo, a match Kenya won 1-0 at a packed Kasarani Stadium.

“Representing Kenya is everything… but I am not done. My dream is to play in a top European league —to show the world what Kenyan talent can do. I want to keep improving, make my family proud and show young players that dreams do come true.”

The rising star and young millionaire revealed that the KSh.1 million he earned following Kenya’s historic victory against DR Congo in the CHAN tournament will be put to good use.

“I plan to invest the money wisely—into something that will benefit my family and generate meaningful returns.”

Despite his rising stardom, Alpha hasn’t forgotten his roots. He frequently supports local football academies in his neighborhood, mentoring young talents who, like him, dream of greatness and remind him of his younger self.

“If I can inspire even one kid to believe in themselves, then I have done something meaningful,” he says.

From the streets of Makongeni to the national team, Alpha Onyango’s journey is far from over. With his talent, humility and relentless drive, the sky is the limit.

At just 24, and with Gor Mahia, he continues to dominate the midfield. With the Harambee Stars, he’s proving himself as a future star. And with every match, he moves closer to his ultimate goal — conquering the global stage.

Onyango’s story is a reminder that talent, hard work and heart can break any barrier. One thing is certain: Alpha Onyango is a name Kenyans will be hearing for years to come. And if his past is any indication, the best is yet to come.