- Benson Omalla has received clearance to play for Gor Mahia.
- The player was signed in February but has not featured in any game since.
- Gor Mahia are in third place on 46 points, three behind leaders Kenya Police who have played an extra game.
Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia received a massive boost in their hopes of claiming the 24/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League title after forward Benson Omalla was cleared to play after receiving his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Despite being signed during the mid-season transfer window in February this year, Omalla has not featured for K’Ogalo owing to an impasse between him and Lebanon outfit Al Safa SC.
Omalla joined Al Safa back in August 2024 from Gor Mahia after bagging the Golden Boot in the 23/24 campaign with 19 goals.
The Kisumu Day alumnus signed for the club hoping to make a name for himself outside the country after previous failed attempts but the move never turned out as expected.
At the time, Lebanon experienced heightened security concerns over the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas group. The conflict in the region led to suspended football activities and the Kenyan government even evacuating its citizens from the country or urging them to move to safer areas.
As a result, Omalla returned home but his situation was made difficult as he could not turn out for any club as Al Safa refused to release the player, thereby denying his ITC.
When Gor Mahia signed him, the club and the player reported the matter to world governing body FIFA who have now stepped in and cleared the issue according to the latest communique.
“Benson Omalla is now available and should be able to be in the squad facing Bandari in the FKF Cup this weekend,” a source told SportPesa Blog.
Why Benson Omalla’s return is key for Gor Mahia?
Omalla’s return comes at a crucial time for Gor Mahia who are fighting for a record-extending 22nd league title.
With nine games before the season ends, Gor sit in third place on 46 points behind leaders Kenya Police who have 49 points having played an extra game while Tusker is in second place on 48 points having played an extra game as well.
At the moment, Gor Mahia are struggling to score goals, an area that could benefit from Omalla who was the team top scorer in the last two seasons with 26 goals and 19 goals.
Currently, Austin Odhiambo tops the scoring charts in the team with 9 goals after 26 matches played – a far cry from to Omalla’s numbers.
ALSO READ: FIFA clears Benson Omalla in timely boost for Gor
This season, Gor Mahia have only scored more than two goals in four of the 25 league matches they have played in. This year, the club has scored more than twice in only one game, a 3-1 win over Kariobangi Sharks.
Despite their struggles, K’Ogalo remains one of the highest scoring teams in the league. Their 35 goals in 25 games is bettered by only Tusker who have managed 36 in 26 games.
While match fitness could be a huge factor considering that only nine games are left, Omalla could prove to be a huge game-changer in the title race should he showcase the form he had over the last two seasons.
Additionally, his understanding with reigning Most Valuable Player Austin Odhiambo was on another level, a factor that could help Gor Mahia convert most of the chances that have gone begging in recent games.
Tusker’s goalscoring on the other hand suffered a massive blow as talisman Ryan Ogam underwent surgery.
While Kenya Police are the other strong favourites, inexperience remains their biggest challenge as they have never won a league title and it remains to be seen how they handle the pressure that comes at the business end.
Gor Mahia also have a chance of doing the double and face Bandari on Saturday in the Round of 16 in the FKF Cup 2025 where Omalla is expected to feature in his first match.
What is an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and why is it necessary?
FIFA Regulations state that an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) is required for every player aged 10 years or over. The process of obtaining an ITC ensures that a player, when moving from a club in one National Association to a club in another, is under the jurisdiction and disciplinary powers of the new Association.
It is a key element in the registration of a player and ensures that they are eligible to play for their new club, as well as acting as a check to ensure the player is not under contract with their previous club, or subject to any suspension.
Obtaining an ITC also protects a club’s ability to collect training rewards (compensation) in the event a player later signs his first professional contract abroad or moves for a fee during the course of his contract. Without the legitimacy offered by the ITC process, any claim in the event training rewards become due would likely be rejected.
Disciplinary action may be taken under FA (and league) Rules, as well as by FIFA, in the event that a player is registered and plays without an ITC being issued.
