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Omondi, who was part of the U-14 Kenyan side that played against the likes of Porto and Chelsea in Southampton back in 2017, is now part of the senior Harambee Stars side preparing for the 2024 CHAN.
Kakamega Homeboyz midfielder Ben Stanley Omondi has outlined his roadmap to securing a place in Kenya's final squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
After making the cut for the Mapinduzi Cup squad, set to take place in Zimbabwe from January 3-13, Omondi is keen to impress interim Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi as preparations for February's CHAN tournament ramp up.
The 24-man Mapinduzi Cup squad represents the foundation for Kimanzi's strategy as he gears up for CHAN, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Omondi, whose performances for Homeboyz have been turning heads, shared his aspirations and the hard work required to achieve them.
"For now, since this is my first time being part of the senior national team, my initial goal after the call-up was to make it into the final 26-man squad, which I achieved," Omondi told Pulse Sports.
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"The next step is to find a way into the starting XI. From there, I’ll reassess and set new goals because it’s easier to plan when you’re a regular starter."
Omondi’s rise to prominence is no fluke. His journey began as a member of Kenya’s Under-14 team, where he showcased his talent at the 2017 Southampton Challenge Trophy against clubs like Chelsea and Porto.
Since then, he has played for several Kenyan clubs, including Ulinzi Stars and Sofapaka, demonstrating the skills that earned him recognition as a future star.
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His talent was undeniable during his time at Migori Youth FC, where he made his National Super League (NSL) debut at just 16 while still a student at St. Peter’s Mumias.
After high school, Omondi became a pivotal player for Migori Youth, earning a nomination for the NSL Young Player of the Season award.
Omondi's ambitions extend beyond local football. Having had a taste of European competition in his youth, he dreams of returning to Europe to further his career.
"I want to play in Europe. I am doing everything possible to achieve that dream," Omondi said confidently. "I am also surrounded by people who believe in me, which pushes me to keep moving forward. I want to do it while I am still young, which will give me time and resources to prepare for the long term."
Adjusting to the senior national team has been both a challenge and a learning experience for Omondi.
"Yes, I’ve pictured myself in the starting lineup, but I know it’s not going to be easy," he admitted. "It’s going to take a lot of hard work and consistency to deliver top-quality performances in every training session and every minute on matchdays."
He added: "The intensity is high, as it should be, because the national team level is very different from club football. I wouldn’t say I’ve had to make major improvements, but it’s more about adjustments. You have to be flexible to fit in because everyone is vying for opportunities like these."
With the Mapinduzi Cup on the horizon and CHAN just weeks away, Omondi remains focused on excelling at the international level. His goal is clear: to establish himself as a regular starter for Harambee Stars and use that platform to propel his career to the global stage.
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