Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has vehemently denied playing a role in the transfer of former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala to Safa Sporting of Lebanon.Firat was on the receiving end of criticism from football stakeholders after it was reported , on Thursday, that he was an intermediary in the transfer. Even before the heat was turned on Firat, pundits questioned why Omala, who hit 45 goals in the last two seasons with Gor, settled for what appears to be less and in a country experiencing political instability.##NAJAVA_MECA_8275708##Further, legitimate questions were raised on why Omala’s handlers turned a blind eye on the spirited fight the government has been putting in to evacuate Kenyans in Lebanon albeit on voluntary basis.Firat optimistic ahead of AFCON qualifiers despite stadia shameIn a rejoinder, Firat insists that he wasn’t involved in the transfer of the player despite his father, Peter Oluoch, being quoted by several publications indicating that he was part of the business. “I was not involved in the deal at all. Up to this moment, no one has contacted Benson and asked if I did business with him. It is unfortunate that some people and sections of the media are spreading lies,” said Firat. The Turkish gaffer appeared to suggest that he will consider taking action against individuals who are out to assassinate his character. “I can’t handle it anymore in Kenya. Someone comes out with lies and people buy it. It is unbelievable for people to expect me to be kind and calm when sports journalists accuse me unfairly,” he said. Omala joins Lebanese club after parting ways with Gor MahiaThis is not the first Oluoch and Firat are trading accusations through the media as the former heavily criticised the latter following Omala’s omission from the national team.”Can he come out clear and state when I talked to him about Benson or the club in Beirut. I never did,” he further defended himself.
