OPPO Kenya partners with Gor Mahia & Harambee Stars players to promote the new OPPO A6 Pro

OPPO Kenya has officially opened pre-orders for its new OPPO A6 Pro in Kenya, but what’s really catching attention isn’t just the phone itself, it’s how OPPO is marketing it.

In a refreshing twist, OPPO has teamed up with local football stars Austine Odhiambo and Michael Kibwage — both Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars players — to headline the promotional campaign for the A6 Pro ahead of its official availability in Kenya.

This marks one of the first times a major smartphone brand in Kenya has used local footballers in its product marketing, a move that feels genuinely localized compared to the usual influencer-heavy rollouts.

In one of the campaign photos, Austine Odhiambo is seen juggling a ball while holding the OPPO A6 Pro. The caption reads:

"Just like Austin on the pitch, the OPPO A6 Pro is built to take the hard hits. With Military-Grade Shock Resistance, it stands strong through every drop, bump, and challenge — ready for action every time."

Another photo features defender Michael Kibwage squatting with the ball at his feet, holding the A6 Pro 4G model. His caption highlights the phone’s endurance:

"Michael Kibwage trusts the all-new OPPO A6 Pro to keep up with his energy — from training sessions to game day. With a powerful 7000mAh battery, A6 Pro is built for champions who never slow down."

Odhiambo also appears in another post emphasizing the phone’s fast charging:

A step toward true localization

The move comes at a time when conversations around localized marketing have been gaining traction. Our very own Dickson Otieno has previously criticized smartphone brands for using non-African faces in launch campaigns, even when targeting African audiences. “I hate that in 2023 a company launching a phone cannot use actual Kenyans in their marketing material,” Otieno wrote on X in 2023 during the TECNO Camon 20 launch. “Are there no local black models? Africa is their biggest market.”

While OPPO Kenya’s new campaign still focuses on product lifestyle imagery rather than photography samples, it’s undeniably a step in the right direction, showcasing Kenyan athletes in a way that celebrates local culture and sport.

The OPPO A6 Pro is available in both 4G and 5G variants, each with distinct differences. The 4G model packs a massive 7000mAh battery, while the 5G model opts for a 6500mAh unit. Interestingly, the A6 Pro 4G is KES 6,000 more expensive than its predecessor, the A5 Pro 4G. The phone also features OPPO’s Military-Grade Shock Resistance and 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging, aligning with the campaign’s athletic, performance-driven messaging.

While global smartphone brands have often leaned on social media influencers and celebrities to push new devices, OPPO’s decision to spotlight Kenyan footballers feels fresh and perhaps long overdue. It’s not just good marketing; it’s a nod to Kenyan sports culture, and a subtle push toward giving local talent more visibility and commercial opportunities.

If this is the direction brands are headed, it’s one worth celebrating — both for the tech scene and for the athletes who represent Kenya on and off the pitch.