April 7, 2025 — Nairobi, Kenya
Ado Den Haag Under-19 goalkeeper Caleb Odida Kramer has reported to the Rising Stars training camp as preparations intensify for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on April 27, 2025, in Egypt.
The Netherlands-based shot-stopper was called up by Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu as part of efforts to bolster the squad ahead of the highly anticipated continental showdown. The 18-year-old has already linked up with the rest of the team and begun training.
Odida has steadily risen through the ranks at Ado Den Haag, having featured for the U17, U18, and now U19 sides. He made his debut for the U17s on September 3, 2022, in a 1-1 draw against FC Utrecht and went on to play 24 matches, accumulating 2,160 minutes. His progression saw him earn 7 appearances for the U18s, clocking 630 minutes, and most recently, one appearance for the U19 side on February 22, 2025.
In addition, the promising goalkeeper made his U21 debut for the club in the Dutch U21 Division 1 Fall League, playing a full 90 minutes in a 2-1 away victory over De Graafschap Doetinchem U21 on August 30, 2024.
Odida signed a two-year contract with Ado Den Haag in July 2023, which runs until June 2025. At the time, Technical Director Van der Dussen praised his qualities, stating:
“In Caleb, we see a very talented goalkeeper with a good appearance. In addition to cat-like explosive reflexes, Caleb also has calmness, and that is an important quality for a goalkeeper.”
At the Rising Stars camp, Odida joins a competitive goalkeeping unit that includes Benard Jairo (Kariobangi Sharks), Wycliford Oduor (Bidco United), and Kevin Oduor (Nairobi United). With the training still in its early phase, Coach Babu is expected to trim down his squad in the coming days as the team gears up for the AFCON challenge.
Kenya has been drawn into Group C alongside continental heavyweights Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone. The Rising Stars will kick off their campaign against Sierra Leone on May 1 before facing Zambia on May 4th and wrapping up the group stage with a tough test against defending champions Senegal on May 7th.
