Harambee Stars midfielder Ben Stanley Omondi has shared how encouragement from coach Benni McCarthy and his teammates helped him regain his confidence and deliver a stellar performance in Kenya’s African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) clash against Morocco.
Omondi started in the first eleven and played the entire game as Kenya secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over the two-time CHAN champions on Sunday, August 10.
The Gor Mahia playmaker had struggled in earlier matches against DR Congo and Angola, committing costly errors, but against the Atlas Lions, he produced a composed and commanding display.
Speaking after the game, Omondi said that being named a starter for such a crucial tie was a huge confidence boost. He credited McCarthy and the squad for helping him reset mentally and focus on the task at hand.
In his own words, “I feel great and more motivated because the coach believes in me. I have made a few mistakes in the previous matches, but the coach has shown that I can improve, so it’s a motivation.”
Reflecting on the ups and downs of the game, he added, “This is football…there are days when things will work and others when things will be off, it’s a mentality thing. The coach has been motivating me, and other players have also been working with me and encouraging me. I had to stand up, and the moment came and took it.”
The 21-year-old also praised the role of fans in lifting the team’s spirit, saying their backing pushes the players to give their all, even when facing formidable opponents.
“There is no pressure, it is actually a motivation, we need the support and need people to push us. Even when we play against big teams, we are motivated because of the support from the fans. Many people came and believed that we do not stand a chance to win,” he said.