- Rising Stars and Ulinzi Stars winger Javan Omondi has officially bid farewell to the club after securing a football scholarship in the United States of America.
- On Sunday, June 15, he confirmed his departure as Ulinzi faced Gor Mahia at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, suffering a narrow 2–3 defeat.
- In a fitting tribute, Ulinzi Stars honoured him with a guard of honour following his final appearance during the FKF Premier League match against Gor Mahia.
Talented winger Javan Omondi has bid farewell to Ulinzi Stars to advance his football career after securing a football scholarship in the United States of America.
Omondi, a pivotal attacker for Ulinzi, finalized his transfer to Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina last month.
On Sunday, June 15, he confirmed his departure as Ulinzi faced Gor Mahia at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, suffering a narrow 2-3 defeat.
The 19-year-old expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his talent abroad, acknowledging that while he cherished his time at Ulinzi, this was a chance he could not pass up.
I feel good for the opportunity. I would like to remain in Ulinzi, but the chance has come to go out and showcase our talent. It is not easy for one to get that chance to go abroad.
Personally, I would like to remain at the club because this is where I started my professional football career, and I have learned a lot from the club,” Omondi told Habari 254TV after the Gor Mahia match on Sunday.
Addressing fans who may be disappointed by his departure, Omondi who has also been in the national team U20, urged them to understand the bigger picture and reassured them that leaving doesn’t mean the end of his connection with the club.
Life has to go on. This is just an opportunity, and we have to take it. We might go there and then come back. You cannot say it is a lifetime thing. It’s something to go and try. But Ulinzi will still remain my home. I have experienced a lot here, where I started my premier matches,” he added.
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Omondi shared that he was first scouted while playing for St. Antony’s Boys, Kitale, during high school in 2023 even before joining the military side. He encouraged other aspiring players to stay focused and patient, as their time will come.
“Other players will be scouted later. For me, I got the chance when I was still in school when they scouted me, and now I have got the opportunity. I just urge my fellow young players to continue pushing themselves,” Omindi stated.
Ulinzi Stars has shaped my career
He also emphasized the role Ulinzi Stars played in shaping his career, expressing sincere appreciation to the club for nurturing his growth.
Here at Ulinzi, the challenges have been there. But as a man, you have to push yourself hard so that you can have a better future ahead. All in all, I have gained experience from the senior players, and they have taught me a lot and that’s why we have been working very hard at the club,” he reiterated.
In a fitting tribute, Ulinzi Stars honoured Javan Omondi with a guard of honour after his final appearance during the FKF Premier league match against Gor Mahia.
“An emotional moment today as we bid farewell to Javan Omondi, who played his final match for Ulinzi Stars FC before he sets off to join his new team in the United States. Javan was honoured with a guard of honour by his teammates a symbol of respect, brotherhood, and the incredible journey we’ve shared,” the club wrote.
“Go chase your dreams, Javan. Your Ulinzi family will always be proud of you.”
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