Harambee Stars goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo Omondi has attributed the team’s fairy tale during the Africa Nations Championships in Nairobi last month to the motivation of getting a chance to be scouted by foreign clubs. Omondi was speaking in Nairobi this week when he was named as the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month of August.
Kenya finished on top of Group A of the competition, which was also termed as the group of death after they beat eventual tournament winners Morocco, DR Congo, and Zambia, before playing to a 1-1 draw against Angola. “We all knew that the whole world would be watching our match against Morocco and apart from the cash prizes promised to us, the fact that we had a chance to be scouted by foreign teams really motivated the players and we got the result despite playing with 10 men,” Omondi told The People Tribune.
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LG, byrne omondi, Abulla Ahmed
SJAK excutve member.
PHOTO | COURTESY | TRBN |
Omondi won the coveted monthly trophy following the Kenyan national team’s stint in the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), in Nairobi, where they were eliminated at the quarterfinal stage after losing 3-4 to Madagascar in post-match penalties. The former Tusker, Agro Chemicals, Posta Rangers, Mathare United, KCB and Bandari FC custodian took home an LG Nanocell 65 inch television and a trophy. Omondi, who is now signed to Kenyan Premier League’s Gor Mahia, beat several other nominees to the LG/SJAK award, including national teammates Austin Odhiambo, Ryan Ogam, Apha Onyango, Suleiman Manzru and Sylvester Owino.
Others nominated for the award included reigning Kenya rally champion Samman Vohra and Kenya Under 20 Kenya women’s volleyball team player Terry Tata. Over and above his uncanny knack between the posts, Omondi was also named the Man of The Match in the Stars’ win against Morocco during the CHAN Group A games, where he made daring saves to keep his team alive in the tournament.
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“It was fantastic to be able to keep the clean sheet and to help Kenya to get the much-needed points. I mean, reaching the quarter-finals was such a great achievement for Kenya and a statement to the continent that Kenya can no longer be taken lightly,” he said. “Winning the SJAK award was another great feat for me and I thank fans for their support,” Byrne highlighted.
LG Electronics East Africa President, Donghun Lee, on his part commented: “LG has the passion to support people who are taking on challenges toward their dreams, and to increase the number of people who are inspired and encouraged by seeing such challenges; Truly Byrne Omondi fits the bill.” SJAK President James Waindi remarked: “I take this opportunity to extol Byrne; goalkeepers are hardly recognized for their efforts, and we are delighted to celebrate his contribution to the national team’s performance. We hope this award will inspire many others to keep turning up.”
