Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has firmly denied any involvement in Benson Omala’s recent transfer from Gor Mahia to Lebanese club Al-Safa FC, refuting claims that he played a role in facilitating the young striker’s move. The Turkish coach, who has been instrumental in shaping Kenya’s national football team, was responding to comments made by Omala’s father, Peter Oluoch, who had suggested that Firat was a key figure in orchestrating the deal.
Omala, who has been a standout performer for Gor Mahia over the past two seasons, recently secured a move to Al-Safa FC, a club based in Lebanon. The transfer has attracted significant attention, not only because of Omala’s impressive track record in the Kenyan Premier League but also due to the unusual destination of Lebanon, a country not typically associated with high-profile football transfers. Omala’s father had credited Firat with helping connect his son to the Lebanese club, stating that the coach had taken a personal interest in ensuring Omala’s progression to international football.
However, in a recent interview with journalist Eric Njiru, Firat categorically denied these claims. “Normally, teams that have interest in Kenyan players call me to ask about my opinion. In Benson’s case, nobody called me from Lebanon,” Firat said, making it clear that he had no connections in Lebanon and did not recommend Omala to any clubs in the region. Firat emphasized that he was not involved in the transfer process and that any suggestions to the contrary were unfounded.
The situation has sparked considerable debate among football fans and pundits in Kenya, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding Omala’s move. The striker, who scored an impressive 26 goals for Gor Mahia in the 2022-23 season and followed it up with 19 goals in the subsequent campaign, had been on the radar of several clubs, both within and outside Africa. Earlier this year, Omala was close to securing a move to Algerian club JS Soura, but the deal fell through at the last minute, leaving the player eager to find another opportunity to play abroad.
Omala’s father, Peter Oluoch, had expressed his pride in his son’s achievements, stating that playing professional football outside Kenya had always been Omala’s dream. Oluoch had been quoted saying, “Firat is the one who took my son there. He previously had an agent but they parted ways. I am not concerned that anyone will exploit him for financial gain.” Oluoch’s comments had led many to believe that Firat had directly facilitated the transfer, using his connections to secure a deal for Omala with Al-Safa FC.
Despite Firat’s denial, the rumors surrounding his involvement have continued to circulate. Some have speculated that Firat’s reputation as a key figure in Kenyan football might have led to assumptions about his involvement in the transfer, even if he had no direct role. Others have suggested that the confusion could stem from a misunderstanding or miscommunication between Omala’s camp and the media.
As Omala begins his new chapter with Al-Safa FC, the focus will undoubtedly shift to his performance on the pitch. The 21-year-old striker has shown great promise in his career so far, and his move to Lebanon presents a unique opportunity for him to further develop his skills and gain international exposure. However, the challenges of adapting to a new league and culture cannot be underestimated, and Omala will need to quickly find his footing to make a significant impact at his new club.
Firat’s denial of involvement in the transfer does raise questions about the transparency and communication within Kenyan football. It highlights the need for clearer channels of communication between players, their families, and the clubs involved in their careers. As Omala’s situation demonstrates, assumptions and rumors can quickly spread, leading to confusion and misinterpretation of events.
In the end, what remains most important is Omala’s success on the international stage. His move to Al-Safa FC is a testament to his hard work and talent, and whether or not Firat was involved in the process, the young striker’s potential remains undeniable. Kenyan football fans will be watching closely to see how Omala fares in Lebanon, hoping that this move marks the beginning of an even more successful phase in his career.
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