Benson Omala’s father reveals Engin Firat’s hand in Lebanon transfer

Engin Firat (C) has a word with Benson Omala (L) and Moses Shummah (R) in a past training session.

Benson Omala’s father reveals Engin Firat’s hand in Lebanon transfer

Joel Omotto 06:00 - 16.08.2024

Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has been reported to have played a major role in helping Benson Omala secure a move to Lebanese outfit Al-Safa FC.

Benson Omala’s father Peter Oluoch has shared how Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat helped his son secure a move to Lebanese side Al-Safa FC.

Omala completed the move early this week, securing his dream of playing abroad, after recent botched transfers from Gor Mahia.

The striker’s father has now revealed the role the national team coach played in helping his son join paid ranks abroad.

“Firat is the one who took my son there. He previously had an agent but they parted ways. I am not concerned that anyone will exploit him for financial gain," Oluoch told Nation, allaying fears that the player might have misled to move to the war-torn nation.

There have been concerns as to why Omala chose the Middle East nation, his transfer coming just days after the government of Kenya issued an advisory to its citizens in Lebanon asking them to move due to ongoing protests.

Oluoch is, however, not concerned as he feels his son has achieved his desire of playing abroad and hopes the transfer will be a success.

The move comes several months after Firat told the press that Omala and his then Gor Mahia team-mate Rooney Onyango were on the verge of transfers to Europe following his recommendation.

“These players need to get the offers abroad while still young. It may not be my job, but I recently spoke with one of my friends who owns a club in Europe, and are champions in their country and also play in the European Cup,” Firat told the media in November 2023.

“I recommend Omala and Onyango to him and the boys know about it. He watched our 5-0 win against Seychelles and will come before the winter transfer period to see the boys live and watch some more matches before he makes up his mind. I am sure he will sign at least one or both players.”

With Omala moving to the Middle East, Onyango has also been reported to have attracted interest from an Italian club and it is not known if the Turkish tactician also has an influence on the said interest.

Omala bagged 26 league goals for Gor Mahia in 2022-23 as they won the FKF Premier League title before scoring 19 last term, when K’Ogalo retained their crown.