Harambee Stars forward Ben Stanley Omondi has opened up on his next steps following Kenya’s elimination from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The young striker, who impressed with his performances during the tournament, has remained non-committal about his future at Gor Mahia, hinting that a move could be on the horizon.
Omondi was one of the standout players for Harambee Stars, beginning the competition slowly but steadily finding his form to become one of the most trusted options under coach Benni McCarthy. His growth throughout the tournament was evident, with fans praising his work rate and resilience on the big stage.
However, Kenya’s run came to an end in the quarterfinals after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Madagascar. The exit marked the end of a spirited campaign that saw Harambee Stars record famous wins over Morocco and Zambia, while also battling to a draw with Angola.
When quizzed about his future with Gor Mahia, Omondi chose to remain vague, leaving supporters speculating about whether he will stay with the FKF Premier League champions or seek new opportunities. “I don’t know… we shall just see how things go,” he said, sparking debate about potential suitors both locally and abroad.
The forward was quick to credit coach Benni McCarthy for showing faith in him even after making errors earlier in the tournament, particularly in the match against Angola. Omondi admitted that the trust of his coach and teammates motivated him to raise his performance levels. “It’s a great feeling because the coach has trusted me since the first day. That gives me freedom and motivation to do well,” he explained.
Reflecting on the CHAN 2024 journey, Omondi said hosting the competition and advancing past the group stages was an eye-opening experience. He emphasized that Harambee Stars will be stronger in future assignments, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He also praised Kenyan fans for uniting behind the team, noting that their support provided the players with fighting spirit throughout the campaign.
Beyond the tournament, Omondi highlighted the positive impact of revamped stadiums and improved facilities, which he believes will uplift the domestic league and create a stronger platform for local players to shine.
As Harambee Stars shift focus back to the Premier League and international qualifiers, all eyes will be on Omondi to see whether he remains at Gor Mahia or takes the next step in his career.
