Revealed: Why Engin Firat dropped Gor Mahia lethal striker Benson Omalla

The decision of Harambee Stars coach, Engin Firat, to drop the leading goal scorer of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League, Benson Omalla, from the final squad that will play against Iran next week, has been a subject of controversy and speculation in the Kenyan football community.

However, sources close to the team have revealed the reason behind the decision.

According to the sources, Firat had made it clear that he was looking for physically imposing players who could bully defenders and create space for the team’s attack. He wanted players who could compete for aerial balls, use their strength and speed to run past defenders, and create chances for the team.

While Omalla is an excellent striker with good finishing skills, he is not known for his physicality and aerial prowess, which may have counted against him in the coach’s evaluation.

Firat is said to have focused on other players, such as Michael Olung and Kenya Police lethal striker Elvis Rupia who fit his preferred profile of big and athletic attackers. Olunga, who currently plays in the Qatari league, is a towering striker who can score from both inside and outside the box, while Rupia is known for his physicality, pace, and aggressive style of play.

The decision to drop Omalla, who has scored 19 goals in 20 league matches this season, averaging a goal per game, has attracted criticism from many Kenyan football fans who feel that his performance deserved a place in the national team. However, others have defended Firat’s decision, saying that he has the right to choose players who fit his strategy and philosophy.

Omalla himself has taken the decision in stride, saying that he gained a lot from the experience and was grateful for the opportunity to train with the national team. He has urged his fans and supporters to continue supporting the team and wished them well in their upcoming matches.