Harambee Stars striker Benson Omalla has completed a surprise move to Cambodian Premier League side Visakha FC, marking a fresh chapter in his professional career after a turbulent stint in Lebanese football.
The former Gor Mahia forward, who had been instrumental in the club’s recent successes, left Kenya on July 3 in pursuit of a more stable and rewarding opportunity outside Africa. His decision to join Visakha FC comes after a challenging year abroad that saw his initial move to Al-Safa in Lebanon cut short by off-field issues.
Omalla’s experience in Lebanon was marred by a series of setbacks. After signing with Al-Safa in August 2024, the promising opportunity quickly deteriorated due to unpaid wages and growing security risks. In October 2024, the Lebanese Premier League was suspended following military strikes in the region. Although the league resumed months later, Omalla opted not to return, prioritizing his safety and professional stability.
Following the Lebanese ordeal, he made a temporary return to Gor Mahia, but his reintegration was not smooth. The delay in releasing his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) from Al-Safa meant he was sidelined for several months. It took the intervention of FIFA for him to be cleared to play again in April 2025.
During his time back at Gor Mahia, the team experienced a rollercoaster season. They narrowly missed winning the FKF Premier League title, finishing second, and fell short in the FKF Cup final with a 2-1 loss to Nairobi United. Despite the disappointment, Omalla remained a vital figure for the club, having scored 45 goals over two seasons and playing a key role in their back-to-back league title wins in previous campaigns.
Omalla’s switch to Visakha FC signals the end of his third stint with Gor Mahia. His move also makes him one of the few Kenyan players to venture into Southeast Asian football a region that has witnessed a surge in investment and international signings in recent years. Visakha FC, known for their domestic title ambitions and participation in regional tournaments, present an exciting platform for Omalla to reignite his career.
At 23, the striker continues to harbor global ambitions. Even before finalizing his move to Cambodia, his representatives hinted at ongoing interest from clubs across Europe and Asia. With the lessons learned from his time in Lebanon, Omalla will be hoping for more success and stability as he embarks on this new journey with Visakha FC.
