Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala has moved to Lebanon to join top tier side Al Safa Sporting Club with Kenyan football fans taking to social media to express their mixed reactions to this move.Omala had been on fire for the past two seasons where he has been at the thick of the Golden Boot race of the FKF Premier League and has been largely expected to depart the club.Last season, he emerged the top scorer with 19 league goals to his name that helped Gor Mahia win the league while in the 2022/2023 season, he missed it with one goal. In total he scored 45 league goals in two seasons.Confident Akhulia backs new Bidco United central defenders to shine in upcoming seasonMost of the fans are weary of his move to Lebanon on account of the political situation in the country and in particular the 2023 Israel-Lebanon border conflict that has brought fears of a war and conflict between Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group and Israel.“I fear for his life. Israel is planning to mess up with Hezbollah. Several countries have urged their nationals to leave Lebanon, as fears grow of a wider conflict in the Middle East.” said Min Blessin, a female local football fan who has previously lived in the Middle East.Gor Mahia fan Collins Koyo said he does not support the move for both security and footballing reasons.##NAJAVA_MECA_8269518##“I do not support the move but I respect it. My two reasons for not supporting the move are first for security reasons. If you have been watching the news of late, the Kenyan Embassy in Lebanon recently talked about evacuating Kenyans from there due to their conflict with Israel.Secondly, Lebanon is not a footballing country and I don’t see Omala growing his football there. All the best to him though,” said Koyo.Football journalist Zachary Oguda was not left behind and took to Facebook to register his skepticism on the move by the former Western Stima striker.Shikanda excited ahead of AFC Leopards’ inaugural player awards gala“Omala’s move to Lebanon does not make sense in so many ways but he has made a decision and we have to back him. All the best to the player in his new station.”Former Wazito FC midfielder David Oswe commented on Oguda’s post and equally registered his fears.“Lebanon is not a country to be in even as a casual worker but all the best to him,” said Oswe.##NAJAVA_MECA_8269442##Another fan, Jacob GentleJack Odundo wondered why Omala is moving to a country where other people are migrating from.Bandari FC fan Achar George had some unique opinion on that move.“The Agent should go and live with the player in Lebanon where he/she has sent him until the lapse of his contract.,” suggested Achar.Harambee Stars to miss Daniel Anyembe in 2025 AFCON qualifier opener against ZimbabweAnother fan, Bonie Maina said that it must not just be a matter of moving abroad but players should make decisions that would spur their careers forward.“Is it just a matter of moving abroad or do these players have the slightest bit of information on their destinations? I always sympathise with someone going pro in Albania, Libya and such countries,” said Maina.Ulinzi Stars fan Nashipae Ene Sindiyo feels that Omala should have done more research on the country and rejected the move.Why Omala’s move to Lebanon is a high-stakes gamble“Omala as an individual should have first known the situation in Lebanon before agreeing to it. He should be informed even about the news worldwide. Lebanon isn’t a footballing country and I think his performance as a player will depreciate,” she said.Some fans on the other hand were just excited and happy that the player has finally made a move outside the country and especially after his move to Algerian side Jeunesse Sportive de la Saoura in January failed to materialise.“Finally, Omala got to move outside the country after the heartbreak he underwent in January. I’m happy for him and all the best in Lebanon,” said Isack Kirui on the popular Facebook fan page, KPL Chat.##NAJAVA_MECA_8269547##Keshy Mkesh also wished him the best, urging him to make hay while the sun is shining.“All the best to him. Football is not a lifetime career. Make use of any good opportunity that comes your way.”In a letter by the State Department for Diaspora affairs on Friday 9 August, the government of Kenya said they are considering the evacuation of Kenyans living in Lebanon.“The Government of Kenya is monitoring the unfolding situation in Lebanon and stands ready to rapidly evacuate Kenyans wishing to leave the Middle East Country,” reads part of the statement.Majority of Kenyans are thus concerned about the safety of the player in Lebanon and hope that he considers that as he joins his new club.
