NAIROBI, Kenya, March 14 – Kenya Police FC defender Aboud Omar says one of his ultimate targets this year is to become a regular member of the starting 11 for Harambee Stars.
The 30-year-old leftback last played for the national team in a World Cup qualification match against Rwanda in November 2021, which Stars won 2-1.
Omar says he will be doing his talking on the pitch this season as he seeks to catch the eye of head coach Engin Firat.
“Of course, I haven’t written any letter indicating that I want to hang my boots. So, yes, the dream is to make a return to the national team. I don’t want to talk much but show the coach what I have to offer through my performances on the pitch. That is the only route back to the national team…by working hard on the pitch,” the 30-year-old said.
The former Tusker FC defender is delighted that Kenya is back in the international football fold after its suspension by world governing body, Fifa, in March last year after then Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed disbanded Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and replaced it with a caretaker committee.
Omar, in particular, notes that the FKF Premier League is slowly regaining its glory of the yesteryears whereas fans can now enjoy the beautiful game once again.
“I find the league more competitive just like the last time I was in the country. We have seen that this season there are more teams in contention for the title unlike the previous years. A team like Nzoia is one that you wouldn’t normally expect to be battling the big teams for the title,” he said.
Omar added: “The fact that the suspension on Kenya was lifted has also come at the right time. With a chance at playing continental football, many teams are motivated and are giving their all in their matches.”
Newest Afande in town
Omar, who began his professional career at Mombasa-based side Admiral FC, is one of the new signings by the law enforcers in the current transfer window as they seek to claim their maiden title this season.
The leftback admits he has followed the ‘Afandes’ for a while now and was immediately sold into the idea of signing over the dotted line for the club, which have so far won 10 matches and lost four in 18 games.
“While abroad, I have been following the league closely and Police were one of the teams I found interesting. After terminating my contract with my previous club (in the Greek league), I decided to come back home. There were around three clubs that were interested in my signature but in the end I chose Kenya Police,” he explains.
At the law enforcers, Omar says it has been a reunion of sorts, reconnecting with former teammates at the club and national level.
This, he admits, has aided his acclimatization process and gelling with the rest of the team.
“Most of them are players I’ve interacted with and know each other quite well. Therefore, it has not been difficult for me to settle down and get going. There is unity in the dressing room and players push each other to be the best,” Omar says.
His first game for the club was a week ago where he played a pivotal role in Police’s 3-2 win over Kariobangi Sharks in a midweek Premier League tie at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
Having replaced David ‘Messi’ Owino in the starting 11, Omar was under no illusion that he will need to work hard to maintain his place in the team considering his competitor for the spot is no slouch.
“David is a very good player and that is a good thing for me as well because it means that competition in the team goes up a notch. I think me being here also helps him because it inspires him to work harder to retain his spot. That can only make the team better,” Omar says.
Following the past weekend’s win against Kakamega Homeboyz, Omar is yet to taste defeat as a Kenya Police player.
He will be hoping to continue the streak when the law enforcers face Nzoia Sugar in their next match on Thursday at Sudi Stadium in Bungoma.
