Omanyala's motivation to players after visiting Harambee Stars in camp
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 14.08.25. | 21:34
Omanyala stopped by the team’s camp before departing for Hungary to compete at the Gyulai István Memorial
Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, paid a motivational visit to the Harambee Stars camp as they continue their impressive run in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
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The Benni McCarthy-coached side remains unbeaten in the group stage, having opened their tourney with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo, drawn 1-1 with Angola, and stunned giants Morocco 1-0 on Sunday, 10 August.
Kenya currently tops Group A with seven points from three matches. They will face an already eliminated Zambia in the final pool match slated for Sunday, 17 August at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Omanyala stopped by the team’s camp before departing for Hungary to compete at the Gyulai István Memorial.
Drawing parallels between his rise in athletics and the Harambee Stars’ CHAN campaign, the sprinter recalled how few believed in his potential when he started, especially after doping-related setbacks slowed his progress.
Similarly, when the CHAN pools were announced, many doubted Kenya’s chances in the so-called 'Group of Death'. Yet McCarthy’s men have silenced critics and now sit at the summit of their group.
“Use me as an example. When CHAN kicked off, most people didn’t believe Kenya would be a force to be reckoned with. But just like me, you are doing things people thought could not be done,” he told them.
Omanyala has experienced both overwhelming home support and stinging criticism, and he warned of the mental challenges that come with competing on home soil.
“When you step onto the pitch, your only focus should be the game. There will be a lot of people, especially home fans, and the pressure and expectations will be high, but remember what brought you to that level,” he continued.
He also urged players to see beyond financial rewards, noting that tournaments like CHAN provide an invaluable stage to showcase talent.
“Use that moment as a platform to show yourself to the world. Money should not be the first thing on your mind; this is your chance to shine and open doors for more opportunities in your career,” he said.
At the Gyulai István Memorial, Omanyala clocked 10.26 seconds to finish eighth as he continued his chase for a sub-10 this season. The race was won by Kishane Thompson in 9.95 seconds.
