Benson Omala’s Return Sparks Speculation
Benson Omala’s recent return to Kenya from Lebanon has created a wave of speculation among football fans and analysts alike. The prolific striker, who recently signed with Lebanese side Safa Sporting, was unexpectedly spotted in Kenya, leading to rumors about his future with the club. While various reports suggested that he had severed ties with Safa Sporting due to political instability or unresolved contract issues, the Lebanese club has now provided clarity on the matter.
Safa Sporting’s Official Statement
Safa Sporting quickly moved to address the rumors surrounding Omala’s return to Kenya. The club confirmed that the striker’s return was solely due to his national team commitments with Harambee Stars. Omala, who had just begun settling into life in Lebanon and had even scored in a friendly match for Safa, is still very much part of the club’s plans. The Lebanese side clarified that Omala was released temporarily to join the Kenyan national team ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe.
In an official statement, Safa Sporting stated, “Benson Omala joins the Kenya national team camp to participate with his country in the African qualifying matches for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.” This statement aims to dispel any doubts about Omala’s commitment to Safa Sporting and his future in Lebanese football.
The Rumors: Political Instability and Contract Issues
The sudden appearance of Omala in Kenya sparked a variety of rumors, with many speculating that the striker had cut ties with Safa Sporting. Among the rumors were concerns about the political instability in Lebanon, which some believed had prompted Omala to reconsider his move. Additionally, there were reports that Omala had not yet signed his contract or received his signing bonus, leading to further speculation about his dissatisfaction with the club.
These rumors gained traction after he was seen at Nyayo Stadium during Gor Mahia’s CAF Champions League second-leg preliminary match against El-Merreikh. His presence at the game, coupled with the timing of his return, fueled speculation that he might be considering a return to Gor Mahia, the club where he made his name.
Gor Mahia’s Response
The sight of Omala at Nyayo Stadium led to immediate speculation that he could be on the verge of rejoining Gor Mahia. However, Gor Mahia officials were quick to address these rumors. Francis Wasuna, the vice chairman of Gor Mahia, clarified that the club had formally released Omala weeks ago and that they were not aware of any issues regarding his current situation with Safa Sporting.
“We are yet to establish why he returned home. We only hope that all is well with him at his new workstation. As far as we are concerned, Omala is no longer our player as we formally released him weeks ago,” Wasuna stated.
This clarification from Gor Mahia further supports Safa Sporting’s stance that Omala’s return is purely for national team duties and not indicative of any problems with his move to Lebanon.
Omala’s Journey and Recent Performances
Benson Omala has quickly risen through the ranks of Kenyan football to become one of the country’s most promising talents. After finishing as the FKF Premier League’s top scorer with 19 goals last season, Omala attracted attention from several clubs, eventually securing a move to Safa Sporting in Lebanon. His transfer, however, was met with criticism, primarily due to concerns over the security situation in Lebanon and the competitiveness of the Lebanese league.
Despite the criticism, he appeared to be settling well at Safa Sporting. He made an immediate impact by scoring in a 3-1 friendly match victory against Aahal Youth, showcasing his ability to adapt to a new environment. This performance indicated that he was ready to take on the challenges of playing in a foreign league and continue his development as a top striker.
National Team Duties and the Importance of Harambee Stars
Omala’s return to Kenya comes at a crucial time for the Harambee Stars, who are set to face Zimbabwe in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The match, which will take place in Uganda due to the unavailability of a CAF-approved stadium in Kenya, is of significant importance as Kenya aims to secure a spot in the continental tournament.
For Omala, being called up to the national team is a testament to his talent and recent performances. Playing for Harambee Stars provides him with an opportunity to showcase his skills on an international stage and contribute to Kenya’s success in the qualifiers. It also reinforces his value to Safa Sporting, as the club will benefit from having a player with international experience.
Conclusion: Omala’s Focus on the Future
Despite the swirling rumors and speculations, Benson Omala’s return to Kenya is a clear reflection of his commitment to both his club and his country. Safa Sporting’s clarification should put to rest any concerns about his future in Lebanon, allowing Benson to focus on his upcoming national team duties. As Harambee Stars prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, all eyes will be on him to see how he contributes to Kenya’s quest for continental glory. His journey continues to be an inspiring story of determination and success, both at home and abroad.
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