In a move that has sparked debate among Kenyan football fans, Harabee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has defended his decision to include Ben Stanley Omondi in the Harambee Stars squad despite the midfielder not being a regular starter at club level.
Speaking on his squad selection, McCarthy offered a clear and deliberate explanation: “There is a method behind every selection.”
A Shift from Form to Function
Traditionally, national team call-ups have heavily favored players enjoying consistent game time and top form at their clubs. However, McCarthy appears to be steering away from that conventional approach.
Instead, the Harambee Stars coach is prioritizing tactical intelligence, versatility, and adaptability, qualities he believes are essential for modern football.
Omondi, who features for Gor Mahia, fits squarely into that mold.
The Value of Versatility
According to McCarthy, Omondi is not your typical one-position player. His ability to operate across multiple roles makes him a valuable asset in a fluid tactical system.
Whether deployed as a striker, in the number 10 role, on the wings or deeper in midfield, Omondi consistently adapts and contributes effectively.
This versatility allows the coach to adjust formations mid-game without necessarily making substitutions, an advantage in high-level competition.
Beyond Fixed Positions
One of the most striking aspects of McCarthy’s remarks is his rejection of rigid positional play.
He admits that he cannot define Omondi by a single position, and sees that as a strength rather than a weakness.
For McCarthy, football is not about static roles but about: Movement, spatial awareness, decision-making under pressure, and tactical fluidity. It is within this framework that Omondi thrives.
Thriving in Tactical Chaos
McCarthy describes his ideal system as one that embraces a degree of unpredictability—what he refers to as “controlled chaos.”
In such an environment, players must think quickly, reposition intelligently, and exploit spaces as they open up. Omondi’s natural instincts and football intelligence make him particularly effective in this setup.
Selection with Purpose
While some critics may question the omission of more in-form players, McCarthy’s message is clear: selection is about suitability, not just statistics.
By including Ben Stanley Omondi, the Harambee Stars coach is signaling a broader tactical evolution, one that values flexibility, intelligence, and adaptability over traditional metrics.
As Kenya prepares for upcoming fixtures, all eyes will be on how this philosophy translates onto the pitch. If successful, it could mark the beginning of a new era for Harambee Stars, one defined not by rigid systems, but by dynamic, intelligent football.
