Former Gor Mahia player, Kevin Omondi, kicked out of South Africa

Harambee Stars midfielder Kevin Omondi has been banned from entering South Africa. According to documents received by The Nairobian, Omondi was declared an 'undesirable person in the republic of South Africa (SA) as from October 29, 2014.'

Omondi, popularly known as 'Daddy' or 'Ade' received the shocking news on arrival at Oliver R Tambo International Airport while leaving for Nairobi.

"When I got to the airport, the immigration staff took my passport then gave me papers to sign saying that I had outlived my welcome by months. I tried talking to the immigration officials about the contractual obligations between me and Moroka Swallows but they could not listen.

“Wanafikiria huko kwao ni heaven. Wanaona nikama hapa Kenya, sisi tunateseka sana (they think their country is heaven and behave as if we are suffering in Kenya),” a seething Omondi told this writer.

The declaration of foreigner as an undesirable person reads in part, "In terms of section 30 (1) of the Act, you are hereby declared an undesirable person due to the following reasons: You are likely to become a public charge; you have overstayed by 155 days."

SA regulations provide that a person who overstays in the country after the expiry of their visa should be declared as 'undesirable'. The period of such declaration is determined by examining the foreign national's period of overstay in the SA. Any foreign national who overstays in the SA for less than 30 days is declared as 'undesirable' for a period of 12 months whereas those who overstay for period longer than 30 days are given a ban of 5 years.

“Who told them that I ever want to go back there? I have no desire to go back to South Africa. Those people have no respect for humanity. They treated me like a dog. Not even my childhood club FISA could subject me to such conditions,” he said.

The former Gor Mahia star explained that his desire to play for Moroka Swallows in the Premier Soccer League proved futile barely four months after signing a two-year deal. As such, Omondi blamed Swallows for being behind the ban. Omondi stated that before leaving Nairobi for Johannesburg in June, Swallows president had agreed to help him get a work permit.

The entire time I was with them, it was clear that the coach did not want me at the club. There was a feeling at Swallows that I was a player signed by the president. For four months, I stayed in a guest house. Two weeks before my return, they sent me to Cape Town, where I stayed in a small room with four other players. I could not take it anymore. I had to leave,” lamented Omondi.

Omondi narrated that before leaving Kenya, he had a chance at Bloemfontein Celtic FC on trials, but Swallows’ president offered to sign him after watching videos of his previous games.

“I had an opportunity of cutting a deal with Ajax Cape Town as well, but Swallows came calling too soon and I thought it was a good opportunity to take. After deliberately frustrating my efforts to acquire a work permit, the president sent me word that I should try playing for Cape Town FC in the lower tier league,” revealed Omondi.

According to Omondi, the trip to Cape Town was an effort in futility because he had already given up on ever playing in South Africa after consultations with his agent.

“I am done with them and now I want to focus on my career as a Kenyan footballer. I am in no hurry to leave. If God planned that I will one day turn pro, then there should be no hurry. As for now, my local fans should expect me back soon,” explained the 24-year-old.

Omondi, who is a father one, said that he regrets leaving Gor and will not forget his experience in South Africa.