Ben Stanley Omondi: We do not feel pressured by our fans
By Arnold Ngure, August 18, 2025Harambee Stars winger Ben Stanley Omondi has shrugged off the presence of Kenyan fans and senior politicians in the stadium as a source of pressure on the players.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Sunday, August 17, 2025, Omondi indicated that the presence of fans is a major confidence booster instead.
“For me, it is not pressure; it is a booster. I have somebody to take the pressure, and that is my coach. For me, when I get on the field, I am just there to express myself, enjoy the game, and play with the purpose of winning,” Omondi observed.
Locked in
He equally revealed that for professional football players, one never focuses on whoever is in the stadium, but on the game at hand, and how to win.
“When you are on the pitch, you don’t think about who is in the stadium or who is not. After the game, we get to know that the president and others were in attendance,” Omondi said.
Omondi’s journey to the national team began in his youth when he represented the Kenya Under-14 team in the 2017 Southampton Challenge Trophy, where he faced clubs like Porto and Chelsea.
Versatile player
As a player, Omondi is primarily a winger, but can also operate as an attacking midfielder. He is known for his creativity and has a proven record of providing assists.
The Gor Mahia player dazzled fans with his calculated runs, poise, and control of long balls during the Harambee Stars’ clash against Zambia, where Kenya won 1-0 to top Group A.
He has a strong work ethic and has worked to improve his defensive intensity. Omondi’s style of play is characterized by his ability to create opportunities for his teammates and his determination to contribute to the team’s overall performance.
With the stakes now higher, Kenya is set to take on Madagascar in the quarter-final match, which will determine who proceeds to the semis.
President William Ruto has promised up to Ksh70 million if Kenya qualifies for the semi-finals and a whopping Ksh600 million for winning the CHAN 2024 trophy.