Kenyan International Eric Johana finds new club after Muathong exit
By Collins Amanga, October 16, 2023
Kenyan international, Eric Johana Omondi has secured a new club in Romania after departing Muangthong United in Thailand.
UTA Arad, a Romanian club under the guidance of Coach Mircea Rednic, officially announced their acquisition of the former Mathare United attacking midfielder.
Eric Johana intro
The club introduced Johana with a profile for their fans, providing insights into his football journey and achievements.
“Eric Johana Omondi arrived in Arad and will join the squad led by Mircea Rednic. The 29-year-old forward, born on August 18, 1994, in Nairobi, Kenya, began his football journey in his home country with Mathare United. He made his move to Europe, starting with Vasalunds IF in Sweden, and later played in Northern Europe for Brommapojkarna and J-Södra,” the club announced.
“He also had stints with the Belgian team Beveren and Thailand’s Muangthong United. In the recently concluded season, he netted ten goals and provided three assists in 28 appearances,” the club stated.
Eric Johana’s deal
Johana has committed to a two-season deal with the club, and UTA Arad is eager to see him add to his goal tally while donning their jersey.
“Omondi has earned 36 caps for the Kenyan senior national team, scoring six goals. He will don the number 24 jersey for the upcoming two seasons. We welcome him and wish him many goals for UTA,” the statement concluded.
UTA Arad, is a club that has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1945 under the name IT Arad.
UTA Arad has achieved remarkable success in domestic competitions, boasting six national titles and two Cupa României victories.
Historically, UTA is one of the most accomplished football clubs in Romania, especially during the 20th century.
Alongside Chinezul Timișoara, UTA holds the distinction of the most national title wins outside the capital city of Bucharest. This achievement earned the club the moniker “Campioana Provinciei” or “Provincial Champion.” However, the 2020–21 season saw UTA Arad’s relinquishment of this title as newcomer CFR Cluj clinched its seventh Liga I championship.
UTA Arad experienced a period of decline, culminating in relegation to the second division in 1979. Despite this setback, the club managed to regain its top-flight status before facing dissolution in 2014. Subsequently, UTA Arad underwent a remarkable resurgence, starting in Liga IV, and successfully returning to Liga I in 2021.
Home matches are played at the modern Francisc von Neuman Stadium, which was inaugurated in 2020. UTA is renowned for its intense rivalry with nearby SSU Politehnica Timișoara, and their clashes are referred to as the West derby, a fixture filled with tradition and fierce competition.