Sports
Omedi determined to repay Gor Mahia's faith
The 30-year-old joins Gor Mahia from Rwandan giants APR FC as the club strengthens its squad for the Kenyan Premier League, the domestic cup, the CECAFA Club Championship and the CAF Champions League.
Denis Omedi, Gor Mahia's new number 40. (Courtesy Photo)
By: Chrispus Baluku, Journalist @New Vision
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Uganda Cranes striker Denis Omedi says he is ready to handle the pressure at Gor Mahia after completing his move to the Kenyan champions ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 30-year-old joins Gor Mahia from Rwandan giants APR FC as the club strengthens its squad for the Kenyan Premier League, the domestic cup, the CECAFA Club Championship and the CAF Champions League.
Omedi said he understands what Gor Mahia supporters expect from him and is determined to repay their faith with goals.
"The fans know me for scoring goals, not for providing assists or defending. They expect goals from me, and it is now upon me to work even harder and score more and more goals," Omedi said.
The Uganda international believes he has enough experience to cope with the demands of playing for one of East Africa's biggest clubs.
"I have played for clubs and the national team where there is a lot of pressure. That environment is not new to me. As a professional, you just have to do what you are known for," he said.
Omedi added that pressure motivates him to perform at his best.
"Pressure cannot stop you. It brings out the best in you. Just like a rose gives its best scent after being pressed, pressure pushes you to become even better," he said.
The striker enjoyed a breakthrough 2023/24 season with Kitara FC, scoring 15 Uganda Premier League goals and helping the club win its first Uganda Cup before scoring twice in the CAF Confederation Cup.
His impressive performances earned him a move to APR FC, where he spent last season before securing his transfer to Gor Mahia.
"I have played for clubs and the national team where there is a lot of pressure. That environment is not new to me. As a professional, you just have to do what you are known for," he said.
Omedi added that pressure motivates him to perform at his best.
"Pressure cannot stop you. It brings out the best in you. Just like a rose gives its best scent after being pressed, pressure pushes you to become even better," he said.
The striker enjoyed a breakthrough 2023/24 season with Kitara FC, scoring 15 Uganda Premier League goals and helping the club win its first Uganda Cup before scoring twice in the CAF Confederation Cup.
His impressive performances earned him a move to APR FC, where he spent last season before securing his transfer to Gor Mahia.
At international level, Omedi has become a key player for the Uganda Cranes, scoring crucial goals during Uganda's successful qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and also finding the net at the finals.
He also attracted global attention after his spectacular rabona goal against KCCA earned nominations for the 2024 FIFA Puskás Award and the CAF Goal of the Year Award, finishing third in the Puskás Award voting.
Before becoming a professional footballer, Omedi combined football with his work as a nurse and service in the Uganda Prisons Service.
Elsewhere, Lugazi FC have completed the signing of goalkeeper Tonny Kyamera from South Sudanese side Kator FC on a two-year contract.
The shot-stopper joins the Uganda Premier League side with experience at various levels of Ugandan football, including the FUFA Big League and the top flight.
Kyamera has previously featured for Buddo SS, Mawokota Ssaza team, Onduparaka FC, Blacks Power, Paidha Black Angels and Express FC.
He also attracted global attention after his spectacular rabona goal against KCCA earned nominations for the 2024 FIFA Puskás Award and the CAF Goal of the Year Award, finishing third in the Puskás Award voting.
Before becoming a professional footballer, Omedi combined football with his work as a nurse and service in the Uganda Prisons Service.
Elsewhere, Lugazi FC have completed the signing of goalkeeper Tonny Kyamera from South Sudanese side Kator FC on a two-year contract.
The shot-stopper joins the Uganda Premier League side with experience at various levels of Ugandan football, including the FUFA Big League and the top flight.
Kyamera has previously featured for Buddo SS, Mawokota Ssaza team, Onduparaka FC, Blacks Power, Paidha Black Angels and Express FC.