Harambee Stars’ coach Engin Firat was behind Benson Omala’s controversial transfer to war-torn Lebanon, according to Omala’s father, Peter Oluoch. On Tuesday, Omala finalized a transfer to Safa Sporting of Lebanon, a move that has sparked heated debate in football circles due to the ongoing conflict in the country and Kenya’s warning to its citizens against traveling there.##NAJAVA_MECA_8269443##Oluoch has shed light on how last season’s FKF Premier League top scorer landed in Lebanon. He revealed that Harambee Stars coach Firat facilitated the deal after Omala parted ways with his former agent.”Firat is the one who took my son there (Lebanon). He had an agent before, but they went separate ways. I don’t fear that anybody will interfere with him there for any financial gain,” Oluoch told the Daily Nation.Despite the security concerns in Lebanon, Mr. Oluoch is not worried. Instead, he is pleased that his son finally got another chance to play abroad after his unsuccessful stint in Sweden in 2021.”This is his third day in Lebanon, and I’m impressed that my son has finally got a chance to play outside the country. This has been his dream because playing professional football is an indicator that one can advance in their football career,” he added.”My son really wanted to have significant career growth in football and to establish himself financially. Playing outside Kenya will provide him that opportunity,” said the senior Omala.Pamzo- What it will take to turn Shabana’s fortunes aroundHe mentioned that he had sought assurances about his son’s safety and was assured that Beirut, where Omala will be based, is relatively safe before approving the transfer from the record Kenyan champions.”I considered all these factors, especially his security, before letting him go there. I was also assured that the club is based in Beirut, which does not have major security issues,” he added.Oluoch admitted that although the Lebanese league may not be as competitive as other leagues globally, it is a step in the right direction for his son.”I know the Lebanese league is not as competitive as other leagues in the world, but professional football is good for his progress,” Oluoch said.Sichenje for Mozzart Sport: “I knew my moment would come no matter what, all I needed was patience”
