New Sofapaka signing Edward Omondi is one of the many success stories from the slums to make it to the top tier and as he says, the journey is just getting started with Old Trafford the intended destination.Before then, the immediate task is to help his club, Sofapaka to halt flirting with relegation as has been the case in the recent past seasons.“My dream is to play for Manchester United. That would be a case of self-actualization,” he said.In an exclusive sit down with Mozzart Sport, Omondi popularly referred to as Ondimu shared his story; from the shanties of Dandora to now making it in the FKF Premier League and the dream of playing for Manchester United.##NAJAVA_MECA_8387075##Omondi was born some 20 years ago in Dandora where he grew up and an area that birthed his love for football. He attended Preparatory Primary School in Dandora Phase 4 where like any other boys in the hood, he played football and was lucky enough to realize that he could turn it into a career.“I developed a love for football in Dandora. Almost every kid that grows up there gets to play football at some point. There are many talents in the hood,” he stated.While still in secondary school, the winger exhibited skills and hunger that his boyhood club, Dandora Love FC were left with no option but to sign him as he continued to balance between class and the field.In the environment that he grew up in, he had to resist negative peer pressure and bad company in order to achieve this but he tells us that that was not a major problem for him.Kenyan midfielder clocks 90 minutes in memorable Europa League win over AS Roma“It is a mentality issue. It is an open field and you can choose what to do and luckily I chose football. I also kept good company. When you have good people around you, they influence your behaviour and you just have to be good also,” said Omondi.After his secondary education, he played for Dandora Love for one more season but due to the journey to his dream destination being in mind, he understood that it takes several steps to get there, he made a move out of his hood and signed for Rainbow FC.It is at Rainbow that Omondi’s star became brighter and attracted the attention of the many eyes that got to watch him. It was indeed just a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ he was going to play in the FKF Premier League.With several other clubs pursuing his signature, it is the Elly Kalekwa-owned Sofapaka that convinced the former Dandora Love man to sign for them and by doing so, it gave him the chance to feature in the top tier.##NAJAVA_MECA_8387091##“FKF Premier League provides good exposure. It is easier to be seen. While growing up, I wanted to play in the topflight and I am happy I have achieved it. However, I am not about to be in the comfort zone though, I am still aiming higher,” he added.At Batoto ba Mungu, he has earned the chance to be coached by the no-nonsense Robert Matano and he shares the experience of working with the most successful local coach in the FKF Premier League.“It is tough but I like it. It is our job and he (Matano) has to push us to be our best version so we just have to put in the work. Personally, he pushes me to improve further.”FKF responds to delays in referees salariesDespite being in his first season in the top tier, the former Rainbow winger says that he was confident of commanding a starting place at Sofapaka. He has featured in all their matches and in a previous interview with Mozzart Sport, he credited veteran midfielder Humphrey Mieno for aiding that.“I have a very strong mentality and great attitude and belief towards my abilities and so I expected to start.I have just started settling in and my teammates are very welcoming, especially the captain Humphrey Mieno who has helped all of us,” he saidWhile Omondi has been able to at least achieve one target of playing in the FKF Premier League and the journey yet to conclude, it has not been devoid of challenges.##NAJAVA_MECA_8389297##The limited sporting facilities and personal gear are some of the greatest challenges he has had to deal with.“There was a time we did not have a proper stadium in Dandora which was a challenge and a risk for increased crime rate. Now we have many players back on the pitch after the Dandora Stadium was upgraded.”The 20-year-old concluded by thanking some of the people who have stepped up to fill in the gap for him at various points in his career“I have had a good support system career wise and I would like to mention Boncge who used to ensure I have boots and other needs as well as Fredrick Were, CEO Buy Shoes,” he concluded.Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee predicts Harambee Stars back to back Cameroon AFCON qualifiersOmondi’s rise to the top is an inspiration to many other kids in the informal settlements who would want to pursue their football dreams.He is now working harder to catch the eye of national team head coach Engin Firat and impress him enough to earn a national team call-up with eyes fixed on the bigger goal, playing for Manchester United.With hard work, determination and a shred of luck, this dream is possible. As in the words of marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, “No human is limited”.
