Amidst increasing talks about Benson Omalla’s potential departure to Algerian giants USM Alger, it’s essential to assess his contributions to the team and determine what’s in the best interest of the club.
Omalla’s impressive tally of 22 goals last season significantly propelled Gor Mahia to an unprecedented 20th league title. His scoring prowess accounted for nearly half of the team’s total goals, an impressive feat within the context of their overall performance.
While this season has seen a slight regression in his output compared to corresponding fixtures, he remains on track to match his previous season’s figures. With 9 goals in 17 games, he continues to hold the position of both the league and the club’s top scorer.
Losing a player of Omalla’s caliber in the midst of a title pursuit often carries substantial risks, as teams without adequate cover tend to struggle and falter in the league race.
However, before delving into transfer discussions, it’s crucial to evaluate how integral Omalla is to the team’s style of play. Gor Mahia’s approach this season has shifted towards a less prolific scoring strategy, with an emphasis on defensive solidity. Their tendency to secure games with minimal goals scored, barring an exception against Nzoia FC, indicates a tactical adjustment, potentially not relying heavily on prolific goal-scoring.
Coach McKinstry’s defensive-oriented approach seemingly values physicality and a compact defensive setup over a consistent goal-scoring machine. His admiration for Mourinho’s style suggests a preference for players suited to execute his tactical vision effectively.
Considering this, entertaining the sale of Benson Omalla and reinvesting the proceeds in scouting a taller, physically imposing striker adept at scoring from set-pieces, particularly corners, could potentially align better with the team’s evolving strategy.
If Algerian suitors are contemplating triggering Omalla’s release clause of $50,000 (Ksh 7.8 M), the club might benefit from swiftly accepting the offer and utilizing the open transfer window to explore markets in Uganda or the Rwandese league for suitable replacements
