Mike Origi Explained

Mike Origi
Fullname:Michael Okoth Origi
Birth Date:16 November 1967
Birth Place:Nairobi, Kenya
Position:Striker
Years1:1984–1988
Clubs1:Shabana
Years2:1989–1991
Years3:1991–1992
Clubs3:Al Boshar
Years4:1992–1996
Clubs4:KV Oostende
Caps4:71
Goals4:11
Years5:1996–1998
Caps5:56
Goals5:11
Years6:1998–2002
Clubs6:Genk
Caps6:81
Goals6:20
Years7:2002
Caps7:27
Goals7:10
Years8:2002–2004
Caps8:57
Goals8:9
Years9:2004–2006
Clubs9:Tongeren
Caps9:55
Goals9:25
Nationalyears1:1989–2004
Nationalteam1:Kenya
Nationalcaps1:48
Nationalgoals1:17

Michael Okoth Origi (born 16 November 1967) is a Kenyan retired footballer. Initially playing as a goalkeeper he converted to a striker at Shabana,[1] [2] a position that he would feature in for both club and country.

He spent most of his professional career in Belgium, while at international level he represented the Kenya national football team on 48 occasions between 1989 and 2004, scoring 17 goals.[3] He is the father of Belgian international footballer, Divock Origi.

Club career

Okoth started his football career with Itierio Secondary School from where he was spotted by Shabana.[4] He would feature for Shabana in the Kenyan Super League and at continental level in the African Champions Cup.[5]

In 1992, he moved to Omani club Al Boshar and after the Africa Cup of Nations K.V. Oostende of the Belgian Second Division.

He would experience success with Racing Club Genk winning the 1998–99 Belgian First Division and the 1999-00 Belgian Cup.[6]

Okoth would end his career in 2006 playing in the Belgian Third Division with K.S.K. Tongeren and later with Cobox 76.

International career

Okoth earned his first international call up in the 1989 CECAFA Cup turning out for a Kenya 'B' team.[7]

He would represent the Harambee Stars in the Africa Cup of Nations in 1990, 1992 and 2004.

Personal life

Okoth is of Luo ethnicity.[8] His older brother Austin "Makamu" Oduor Origi was a defender and captain for Gor Mahia and the Kenya national football team. His younger brothers would also feature in the Kenya Super League, Anthony Origi for Kenya Breweries and Gerald Origi for Utalii FC.

Arnold Origi, his nephew and son to Austin Oduor is a goalkeeper for Norwegian Tippeligaen side Lillestrøm and the Kenya national team.

His son Divock Origi[9] is also a professional footballer.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Retired star Mike Okoth speaks about his son Divock's love for Kenya - Nairobi News. Nairobi News. 30 March 2016 . en-US. 6 April 2016.
  2. Web site: Profile of Mike Okoth Origi. kenyapage.net. 19 May 2014 . 6 April 2016.
  3. Web site: Mamrud . Roberto . Mike Okoth Origi - International Appearances . RSSSF.
  4. Web site: KPL: Shabana keen to restore lost glamour. Gisesa. Nyambega. Standard Digital News. 2016-04-06.
  5. Web site: Head to head stats Kabwe Warriors FC (Kabwe), Zambia - Shabana FC (Kisii), Kenya. wildstat.com. 2019-06-01.
  6. News: Belgium Cups 1999/2000. RSSSF. 19 April 2022.
  7. Web site: Profile of Mike Okoth Origi Kenya Page Blog. kenyapage.net. 19 May 2014 . 2016-04-06.
  8. News: In footsteps of his father: Belgium star Divock Origi proud of Kenyan heritage, speaks Kiswahili and four Luo words . 29 June 2014 . Robin Toskin . . . 5 July 2014.
  9. Web site: Dreams from Origi's father come true. Daily Nation. en-UK. 2016-04-06.