Benson Omala is a free agent after terminating his contract with Lebanon outfit Al Safa
Former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala could be set for a sensational return to Kenyan football, with high-flying Shabana emerging as favourites to secure his signature, Pulse Sports understands.
Omala, who left Gor Mahia for Lebanese outfit Al Safa last year, has endured a frustrating five months, having never played a competitive match for the club.
The move has proven disastrous, and sources indicate that he deeply regrets his decision, with the forward now keen on reigniting his career in the FKF Premier League.
Benson Omala’s contract turmoil
The 22-year-old’s troubles at Al Safa took a legal turn after his father, Peter Oluoch, revealed in January that the club had failed to pay his wages for three consecutive months. Under FIFA regulations, players are entitled to terminate their contracts if their employers fail to pay salaries for two months.
“He requested for contract termination in January after going for three months without pay. Luckily, he had a clause in his contract that allowed him to terminate if the club failed to pay for three months,” Oluoch stated as quoted on Mozzart Sport.
Despite this, Al Safa has resisted a mutual termination and is now reportedly considering legal action against the player, adding another layer of uncertainty to Omala’s situation.
)
Shelly-Ann-Fraser-Pryce will go down as perhaps the greatest female sprinter of all time, but what does she eat that has played a key role in creating her legendary career?
Shabana leading chase for Omala
Sources indicate that Shabana, who are keen to fill the void left by Mathew Tegisi’s departure in December, have intensified their pursuit of the lethal forward.
The club has been in impressive form, climbing up the FKF Premier League table, and Omala’s addition could further boost their attacking firepower.
Gor Mahia, Omala’s former club, has also been linked with a move to bring him back. However, their attacking department is already stacked following the signing of Ugandan striker Charles Bbale, alongside Chris Ochieng and Congolese forward Gedeon Bendeka.
Head coach Sinisa Mihic has expressed the need for more attacking options after Gor Mahia’s goalless draw against Bidco United, but there is concern that adding another striker could create disharmony in the squad.
)
Here is everything you need to know about the parents of Yohan Blake.
Kariobangi Sharks is another potential landing spot. The club has gained a reputation for reviving struggling players, with John Mark Makwatta’s resurgence last season being a prime example. Makwatta, who scored 13 goals before securing a move to Tanzania, has set a precedent that Omala’s camp may find appealing.
Tusker FC briefly considered signing Omala to ease the burden on Ryan Ogam, who has struggled in his last four FKFPL outings despite scoring 15 goals this season. However, the Brewers opted for Nzoia Sugar’s Ian Simiyu instead, shelving plans for Omala.
Cambodia and Japan moves in the picture
While Omala’s immediate focus appears to be a return to Kenyan football, interest from abroad has not waned. Pulse Sports understands that a club in Cambodia offered him double the wages he was earning at Al Safa, but his representatives turned down the move, citing concerns over his footballing development.
A potential switch to Japan’s J2 League in the summer is also on the cards. This move could be particularly enticing, considering Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga’s successful stint at Kashiwa Reysol, which paved the way for his big-money move to Qatar’s Al Duhail.
Omala is eager to return to form, with an eye on making the Harambee Stars squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
With the tournament offering a platform for local-based players, securing regular game time will be crucial for his chances of selection.
