- Harambee Stars’ Ben Stanley credits coach Benni McCarthy and his teammates for guiding him through CHAN 2024.
- Harambee Stars’ Ben Stanley Omondi was named in the starting lineup when Kenya beat Morocco 1-0 on Sunday in the CHAN 2024 tournament.
- Previously, Omondi had been coming off the bench in earlier matches under coach Benni McCarthy, where Kenya secured a 1-0 win over DR Congo and drew 1-1 with Angola.
Harambee Stars’ attacking midfielder Ben Stanley Omondi has opened up about overcoming setbacks in the national team, crediting the coach and his teammates for their unwavering support during the ongoing Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
On Sunday, August 10, Omondi earned his first full starting debut for Kenya, as the Harambee Stars defied expectations, playing with ten men to secure a stunning 1-0 victory against two time champions Morocco at the MISC Kasarani Stadium.
Previously, Omondi had been coming off the bench in earlier matches under coach Benni McCarthy’s guidance, where Kenya secured a 1-0 win over DR Congo and drew 1-1 with Angola.
The midfielder admitted that adjusting to a substitute role was tough and that he made mistakes. However, the coach continued to place his trust in him.
I’m more motivated now. The coach has been believing in me. I’ve made a few mistakes in the past few games, but he has stood by me and shown me he still believes in me,” Omondi stated after the Morocco match on Sunday.
ALSO READ: Kenya vs Morocco: 10-man Harambee Stars beat Morocco in CHAN 2024 thriller, Ogam the hero
Harambe Stars’ Ben Stanley opens up on teammates’ and coach’s role in his CHAN 2024 resurgence
The 21-year-old Gor Mahia talent expressed gratitude toward his teammates, who he said had been his pillar of support through challenging moments, helping him regain confidence and composure on the pitch.
I may say this is football. Sometimes you’ll be at your best, and sometimes setbacks will hit you. It’s a mental thing, and the coach has been motivating me.
My fellow teammates have been there for me, reminding me that these are normal things in football. I had to stand up strong, and the moment came today and I took it seriously,”he added.
Against Morocco, Omondi played a crucial role in Ryan Ogama’s winning goal.
His shot, channeled through Boniface Muchiri, was deflected by a Moroccan defender, setting up Ogama to strike home in the first half.
Regarding fan support, Omondi dismissed claims that the massive turnout at all three group matches was a source of pressure. Instead, he called it a source of inspiration.
There is no pressure from the fans; it’s a motivation to us because the fans are our 12th man on the field. We really need their support. If they continue to come in large numbers, it motivates us and gives us the confidence to play even better against the giant teams.”
ALSO READ: CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars coach McCarthy explains key reason behind squad overhaul against Morocco
Ben Stanley Omondi and his Harambee Stars teammates have had a full week to prepare for their final Group A clash against Zambia, scheduled for this Sunday at the Kasarani Stadium.
They’ll be aiming to secure victory, finish the group stage unbeaten, and earn a coveted spot in the quarterfinals of their CHAN 2024 debut campaign.