Blow to Sprinter Omanyala as Sponsor Pulls Out

An Undated Image of Kenyan Sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala.
Kenyan Sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala posing for a photo during his trials at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani in August 2020.
AthleticsKenya

Sports management company, DBA Africa, has cut ties with Kenyan athlete Ferdinand Omurwa Omanyala.

According to a press release dated Monday, September 27, DBA Africa, said that it was dissociating with the sprinter who has attracted global attention.

The company, in its statement, highlighted its pivotal role in enabling the athlete compete in local, continental and international championships including the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games that propelled him to fame.

Ferdinand Omanyala competes in 100m heat during the second leg of Athletics Kenya (AK) Relay
Ferdinand Omanyala competes in 100m heat during the second leg of Athletics Kenya (AK) Relay
File

"We are proud to have played a huge role in enabling him to compete around the continent resulting in attaining four qualifying times for the Tokyo Olympic Games and achieving many national records and personal best," read part of the statement.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on phone, DBA Africa said it terminated its engagement with the athlete owing to different value sets represented by each faction. 

"Yes, we have parted ways with Omanyala. We don't share the same values, co-values, and vision," one of the representatives from DBA Africa stated.

The athlete, in the recent past, has been the talk of the town due to his record-breaking pace in different competitions.

Recently, he shattered the continental record during the Kip Keino classic when he clocked in at 9.77 seconds, few 0.01 seconds shy of American Trayvon Bromell. 

To the victor goes the spoils as Omanyala was gifted a brand new Toyota Harrier as well as Ksh1.5 million by a betting firm. 

"As I ran the race on Saturday at the Kasarani Sports stadium, I did not know right now I would be the proud owner of a car,” he stated while receiving the gifts at a star-studded event held at the New Stanley Hotel.

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Ferdinand Omanyala came second at Kip Keino Classics at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, September 18, 2021
AthleticsKenya