Benson Omala: 5 potential destinations for ex-Gor Mahia striker after collapse of Lebanon move

Former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala finds himself at crossroads after cutting ties with Lebanese club Al-Safa.

Omala’s future was thrown in doubt when for the season when the Lebanese league resumed last weekend, following its suspension last September due to the war in the country.

The striker’s transfer ran into problems as soon as he moved to Lebanon and he would return to Kenya a few weeks later, citing some unmet promises.

Just when he had sorted the issue and was about to return, the league was suspended and now, upon resumption, he will not be going back after his representatives revealed to that the player is looking to terminate his contract as he has not been paid since signing for the club.

So, with the door closed in Lebanon, where else can Omala kickstart his career from?

Potential destinations for Benson Omala after collapse of Lebanon move

Kenya

Even though Omala’s camp have insisted he will not return to a Kenyan club, this looks like the most sensible option for now.

Omala has not played competitive football since with 19 goals last season and badly needs a club that knows and trusts him.

There have been given they have not yet replaced him and this is a transfer that would make a lot of sense for both club and player as they need each other at the moment following an inconsistent campaign for the FKF Premier League champions.

If Gor Mahia do not snap him up, then any other Kenyan team can make good use of the player as he understands the league and can bang in goals, something not many Kenyan strikers are prolific at.

Both Omala and his suitors in Kenya will be thankful that the midseason transfer window opens on Wednesday January 29, and he is available for free.

North Africa

While this looks difficult, Omala’s desire to play abroad can be actualised if his representatives reignite interest from North Africa.

Omala was close to joining Algerian club JS Saoura in February 2024, before the move fell through at the last minute, while another club from the country USM Alger was also reported to be interested.

However, that was when his stock was high but now, without minutes in the legs for six months, any club from the north will need a lot of convincing before taking Omala, while the player might have to settle for a much less than the him.

South Africa

Another potential destination for Omala is South Africa, where he was also linked with a number of clubs, including giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Chiefs and Pirates will not be coming for Omala this time but there are a number of midtable and relegation-fighting teams that would benefit from his talents.

Clubs like SuperSport United, who have scored just five goals in 14 league matches, Chippa United, 11 goals in as many matches, and relegation fighting Richards Bay,, who have also netted just five goals in 14 league ties, would greatly benefit Omala.

South African clubs have proven previously that they can take chances on players who have not played for long and Omala would be an attractive proposition for any.

The South African midseason transfer window closed on Tuesday January 28 but as a free agent, Omala can be signed anytime. However, getting playing time this season might be difficult unless the signing club proves sufficiently that they need him as an emergency due to shortage of players from either significant injuries or suspensions.

Zambia

Another African league that would suit Omala is the Zambian Super League that has become a favourite of Kenyan players in the last decade.

Lots of Kenyan players have enjoyed playing in Zambia and Omala could also thrive in the Southern African country if a deal materialised.

Kenyan players who have gone to Zambia have done that on the back of good seasons back home but a number of local agents have good relationships with Zambian clubs which would help get a deal over the line even if the player has not played for six months.

The Zambian midseason transfer window closes on January 31, meaning time is not on his side.

Europe, perhaps?

This is highly unlikely but there are a number of teams in the lowly-ranked leagues in Europe that could take a chance on Omala.

The player had an unsuccessful loan stint with but if he truly wants to go back abroad as his handlers have insisted, he will have to prove why a club should take the risk of signing him when he has not played for half-a-season.

Most European leagues will close their midseason transfer windows on February 3 but this looks like a long shot for the Harambee Stars striker as such a deal is not likely to happen.