'I Don't Know What to Expect' - Ferdinand Omanyala Eyes Big Kip Keino Classic Performance Despite Uncertainty

Ferdinand Omanyala (Credit: Imago)

'I Don't Know What to Expect' - Ferdinand Omanyala Eyes Big Kip Keino Classic Performance Despite Uncertainty

Abigael Wafula 11:30 - 28.05.2025

Ferdinand Omanyala is uncertain about what to expect at the Kip Keino Classic due to unfamiliarity with the Ulinzi Sports Complex, but remains hopeful.

Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, has remained tight-lipped on what fans should expect from him as he lines up against a strong field at the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday, May 31.

Ferdinand Omanyala will be lining up against strong athletes, including the likes of South African duo Shaun Maswanganyi and double world under-20 champion Bayanda Walaza.

Bayanda Walaza has been on a roll this season and will be looking to light up the stadium at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, hoping to silence home hero Omanyala.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

He is just fresh from winning the 100m at the 75. Boris Hanžeković Memorial, where he clocked a stunning 9.94 seconds and will be using that as a confidence booster heading into the Kip Keino Classic.

Aside from the South African duo, Ferdinand Omanyala will also be up against Kennedy Lachlan of Australia, who has also been impressive so far this season. He will also be joined by home talent Mark Otieno.

Ferdinand Omanyala: I Don’t Know What to Expect

Ferdinand Omanyala
Ferdinand Omanyala call to action

Heading into the race, Ferdinand Omanyala has issued a major update, noting that he is used to competing at either Kasarani or the Nyayo National Stadium.

The Commonwealth Games champion revealed that he has only competed at the Ulinzi Sports Complex once, and going into the race, he remains open-minded about what might happen.

However, he hopes that with the quality of the field assembled, fast times will be dropped, and fans will have a great experience.

“I have only done a 400m at Ulinzi, so I don’t know what to expect. I hope the Kip Keino Classic will be fine with the same quality of competition we had at Nyayo and Kasarani. My best venue is Kasarani, but we just hope that Ulinzi will be fine,” Ferdinand Omanyala said in an interview with Nation Sport.

Ferdinand Omanyala: It’s Been a Bit Different Starting the Season Outdoors

Ferdinand Omanyala
Ferdinand Omanyala

Ferdinand Omanyala revealed that the major reason for skipping the indoor tour is due to how different the season is structured.

The World Championships are scheduled for Tokyo, Japan in September and Ferdinand Omanyala wants to be cautious in how he selects his competitions.

“It’s been a bit different starting the season outdoors because I have been doing indoors first since I started running as a professional,” Ferdinand Omanyala said.

“One of the reasons why I skipped the indoor tour is that it’s a long season this year that runs until September, and I feel it’s going on well so far.

“The advantage is that I’ve been having competitions back-to-back, which helps me to stay more focused because there’s no weekend that has passed without competition.”

Ferdinand Omanyala has already started his season, competing at the Thika Stadium in his season opener before heading to South Africa for a series of competitions.

Omanyala then proceeded to the Botswana Golden Grand Prix and the Diamond League Meeting Xiamen, where he finished second in both races.

He then faded to a ninth-place in Suzhou before making history with the Kenyan team at the World Athletics Relays. Ferdinand Omanyala then won the 150m at the Atlanta City Games before finishing second at the Diamond League Meeting in Rabat.