Red-hot Harambee Stars striker Benson Omalla has urged his teammates to try as much as they can to steer the team to unprecedented heights.
Omalla justified his inclusion in the talent-laden team after scoring the fourth goal in the 74th minute against Seychelles in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers on Monday.
"I'm urging my teammates to give their best performance in each match and try to mend the errors they may have made in past matches and also build on their strengths when we face our next opponents," Omalla said.
The mercurial Gor Mahia forward, who currently leads the top scorers leaderboard with seven goals, tipped Harambee Stars to vastly improve in their subsequent matches.
"We didn't start our campaign well because we lost 2-1 to Gabon but managed to beat Seychelles 5-0. There are still some more matches left and all I can tell our fans is to continue rallying behind us," Omalla remarked.
Omalla said he was privileged to don the national team colours given the country's rich pool of talent. He made the final list of the razor-sharp forward line that humiliated the Pirates alongside.
"I'm humbled to have received a call-up to the national team competing with the best. If you get such a chance, it's always good to do your level best and that's exactly what I'm doing," Omalla said.
"I'm honoured to play alongside some of the best strikers in the country some of whom play abroad and I believe I have a lot to learn from them," he added.
Omalla said he was ready to punch above and beyond to cement his status in the national team in the face of cutthroat competition. He noted that he was ready to cope with the pressure that comes with the nature of the game
. "As a player, you must be ready to handle any type of pressure that comes during a game. It may be pressure from fans or even stage freight but it is always important to rise above the challenge," Omalla said.
Omalla cracked a spot in the national team after a public uproar having previously been snubbed by head coach Engin Firat on numerous occasions.
The Kisumu Day High School alumnus wrapped up second on the top scorers' board with 26 goals, one short of eventual winner Elvis Rupia. He has, however, vowed to lay claim to the Golden Boot gong this season.
"I felt highly disappointed after missing out on the award last season and I'll do my best to clinch it this time around," Omalla said.
