- Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has issued a clear demand that Stanley Omondi must meet to break into the starting XI.
- Omondi has not been a regular presence in the starting eleven this season, with Jackson Dwang impressing in the same position.
- Despite limited minutes, Omondi has scored two goals this season and was also among the players called up to the Harambee Stars squad for the FIFA Series tournament in Rwanda.
Ben Stanley Omondi will have to bust his tail climbing the ranks to earn a shot at winning coach Charles Akonnor’s trust and securing a spot in the starting eleven for Gor Mahia.
Omondi has not been a regular starter for the record champions this season, with Jackson Dwang, the new signing brought in back in January, edging him out in that attacking midfield role.
However, with much at stake for the K’Ogalo side as they push to reclaim the SportPesa League title, coach Akonnor has emphasized that every player is being given an opportunity to prove themselves and those who fail to deliver will be dropped in favor of more impactful performers.
“We have almost given everybody the chance to play. Those who were not able to perform well, I think if I ask you, you all know. Our duty mainly is to improve every player, and so when you get a chance and you’re not able to do well, it means somebody else is knocking, and that person will get a chance,” the former Ghana national team coach explained regarding Ben Stanley being sidelined.
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Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor demands more from Ben Stanley Omondi
Akonnor has laid out some guidelines for Omondi to fight his way back into the starting lineup, just like he did when Gor Mahia sold their creative playmaker Austine Odhiambo.
The coach stressed that for Ben to rise again, he will have to deliver a standout performance.
“If you talk of Stanley, he has had chances to play. He was even a starter when Austin left until he got injured, and now somebody else has taken the position. So he needs to fight and earn his place back,” he added.
This season, despite not being a regular starter following Dwang’s arrival, Stanley has still bagged two goals in his appearances against Posta Rangers and Kariobangi Sharks.
His last match in the starting XI came during the FKF Cup Round of 32, when they were eliminated by regional side BB Bread.
Ben Stanley’s situation comes just days after he was called up to the national team setup for the recently concluded FIFA Series 2026 mini-tournament, where he featured in both matches.
He first came on as a substitute when Harambee Stars lost on penalties to Estonia, converting one of the spot-kicks. He was later named in the starting lineup by Benni McCarthy when they defeated Grenada 3-0, providing an assist for one of Ryan Ogam’s goals.
Akonnor is demanding more grit from Ben in training sessions during this critical stretch, as they feel the heat in the race for the SportPesa League title.
They currently lead the table with 57 points, just two ahead of AFC Leopards, who are second on 55.