Edward ‘Ondimo’ Omondi’s Rise From Dandora to Harambee Stars Striker at CHAN 2024 Stage

When Sofapaka striker Edward Omondi ‘Ondimo’ was first dropped from the initial Harambee Stars squad for the ongoing African Cup of Nations (CHAN) 2024 tournament, he never gave up hope of still making the team.

Omondi, like many other players dropped, were obviously disappointed, but not crestfallen. After the season he had just enjoyed for Sofapaka, he was grateful to even have made the provisional squad at first.

However, injuries to key players, such as Brian Musa, Mohammed Bajaber and Pamba Swaleh meant McCarthy had no choice but to draft in reinforcements. 

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

One was Tusker’s Chrispine Erambo, another was Posta Rangers’ Felix Oluoch, Shabana duo of Austin Odongo and Brian Michira, and of course, Omondi.

Speaking to Pulse Sports from the Police Sacco Stadium last Wednesday, Omondi, a believer of destiny, believes it had been coming.

“It is a good opportunity and a great experience to be here right now,” Omondi said.

“I knew there was a chance an opportunity to be part of the squad would come again. I used to see stories in the media on how the coach was trying different players, and that is why I kept working hard.

“ I never stopped training and prayed because I hoped anything would be possible.”

Ondimo, who earned a move to Kenya Police recently, is reaping the rewards for his brilliant debut top-flight season, having joined Batoto ba Mungu at the start of this campaign from the now-defunct Rainbow FC.

The signing also came with double delight and fortune as the 2009 Premier League champions elected to use Dandora Stadium for their home matches, giving Ondimo, who was born and bred in Dandora, the opportunity to enjoy the full meaning of home support.

The 21-year-old has been in fine form this season and has scored nine goals and provided six assists, establishing himself as a fan favourite this campaign.

But who exactly helped him settle at the club? None other than Humphrey Mieno, a vastly experienced midfielder who has seen it all in Kenyan football.

“At Sofapaka, Humphrey Mieno has been encouraging me a lot, telling me I had the capability to unleash my potential. He would tell me positive things, and they have helped me be where I am now,” Omondi said.

But what would it mean for the forward to represent his country and potentially cement himself as a national hero for the side?

“I want to thank God, and for every player, it is a dream to represent their country. People need to work hard, and the results will come.”

In the national team, he gets to work under South African tactician Benni McCarthy, himself a former Manchester United assistant coach and decorated striker who scored goals for the likes of Celta Vigo, Porto and Blackburn during his playing days.

Of course, the tactics are a bit different from what he has been used to at Sofapaka under Ezekiel Akwana, as are the players, but he has found it easy to adapt.

“The tactics are a bit different, and the players we play with over there are different from the ones here.”

What exactly has he learnt under the South African tactician?

“Coach Benni has helped me a lot in terms of finishing. After every training session, we work on finishing, and I think I have learnt a thing or two.”

Kenya, who have been placed in Group A alongside DR Congo, Angola, Morocco and Zambia, know they have their work cut out to make it out of the group stages.

However, there is a sense of optimism that the crowd at Kasarani Stadium, where they will play all their group stage matches, will galvanise them in their quest to overcome what many have labeled ‘the group of death’.

For Ondimo, there is only one way they can survive.

“This is a big tournament. Everyone must push themselves, and I am sure everything will pan itself out.”

In many ways, Edward Omondi’s story is one of quiet defiance against the odds — a player who didn’t sulk when overlooked, didn’t slow down when doubted, and didn’t let go of the dream when setbacks arrived.

Now, as he walks onto the turf at Kasarani in national colours, it is more than just a debut — it is a homecoming of hope for every young footballer watching from Dandora and beyond.

If CHAN 2024 becomes his true coming-out party, no one will be surprised — except maybe those who once overlooked him.