Benson Omala: How ex-Gor Mahia striker is coping with frustrating league suspension in war-torn Lebanon

Kenyan strikrer Benson Omala when he was unveiled by Lebanese club Al-Safa. Photo: Al-Safa

Benson Omala: How ex-Gor Mahia striker is coping with frustrating league suspension in war-torn Lebanon

Joel Omotto 05:30 - 01.11.2024

Former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala is currently not involved in any competitive action following the indefinite suspension of the Lebanese League but what is he up to and what are his options?

Former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala is considering terminating his contract with Lebanese side Al-Safa after facing a setback in his dream to join paid ranks abroad.

Omala agreed to join Al-Safa from Gor Mahia in August, but the transfer ran into some problems, before the issues were resolved in September.

However, when he was just about to fly out and turn out for the club following the start of the new season, the Lebanese Football Association announced an indefinite suspension of all football competitions in the country, due to the worsening security situation after Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, sparking fears of escalating conflict.

The suspension happened after the 2024-25 season had just kicked off, with one round of matches played, but will now have to wait until calm returns to the war-torn country.

One month into the league suspension and with the security situation in Lebanon far from ideal, the striker has been forced to train with Division Two side Manyatta United to maintain his fitness levels as he weighs his options.

“He is in Kisumu where he is training with Manyatta United. The situation in that country is not good and we just want a contract termination,” a source close to the player told Pulse Sports.

“He signed a 12-month contract which he is waiting to see if it can be terminated because even his salary has not been paid. With the problems in that country, we do not think he will go back there and so we feel the best option is a termination.”

Omala linked up with Al-Safa after the club reached an agreement with Gor Mahia, and even featured in a friendly match, scoring a goal, but he was soon back in Kenya, with details later emerging that he had not been satisfied with the terms of the deal.

A signing-on fee that had been agreed upon had reportedly not been paid and the player stood his ground, failing to return to Lebanon after the September international break, until it was paid but when he was about to go back, the league suspension happened.

Omala bagged 26 league goals for Gor Mahia in 2022-23 as they won the FKF Premier League title before scoring 19 in 2023-24, to bag the Golden Boot award, as K’Ogalo retained their crown.